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2007/06/10 - RegionalCouncil Information *for period ended June 8, 2007* *Regional* 1. GTA Corridor EA Public Information Centres 2. Walker Landfill Expansion 3. Clean Water Act 4. Plain Language for Communications 5. COMRIF 6. WaIkON 7. Nutrious Food Basket 8. Council Highlights 9. Corwin Cambry Retirement, June 27th 10. Wheelchair Basketball g'" o-iIl~, FALLS CLERKS't~~ U3~t 10~'~ Q Ontario ~ Via- May 28, 2007 City Clerk City of Niagara Falls 4310 Queen Street Niagara Falls, Ontario L2E 6X5 Dear Sir./ Madam: RE: Niagara to GTA Corridor Planning and Environmental Assessment Study -Phase 1 Notice of Public Information Centre #1 The Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO) has initiated Phase 1 of the Planning and Environmental Assessment (EA) Study for the Niagara to GTA Corridor, following approval of the EA Terms of Reference by the Minister of the Environment (December 2006). The planning and EA study will support the transportation objectives of the .provincial Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe by providing for the efficient movement of people and goods within the corridor (refer to enclosed "Notice of Public Information Centre #1"). Phase 1 of this study includes the following key steps: 1. Develop a Study Plan 2. Identify transportation problems and opportunities and verify the need for transportation improvements 3. Identify and assess transportation system alternatives (i.e. fundamentally different ways of addressing the problems and opportunities) 4. Select preferred transportation system alternative(s) and recommend a Transportation Development Strategy 5. Make recommendations for future work in the Niagara to GTA corridor. The first of four rounds of Public Information Centres (PIC) for this study has been arranged. This PIC will be an informal drop-in centre. Representatives of MTO and the consultant team will be in attendance to answer questions and receive comments. Your participation is an important .part of the process and we welcome your input. You are invited to attend this PIC, which will be held as follows: Tuesday, June 12th, 2007 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Rockton World Fairground 812 Old Highway 8, Rockton Thursday, June 14th, 2007 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Quality Hotel St. Catharines Chardonnay/Concord Ballroom 327 Ontario Street, St. Catharines Monday, June 18th, 2007 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Holiday Inn Burlington Halton Hall 3063 South Service Road, Burlington The focus of this round of PICs is to present an overview of environmental conditions and transportation trends in the analysis area, the draft Study Plan for technical work, and the draft plan for consultation and outreach. Attendees will also have the opportunity to learn about, and submit, NGTA Project Team - i - c/o URS Canada Ina 75 Commerce Valley Drive East Markham, ON Canada L3T 7N9 Tel: 905.882.4401 Fax: 905.882.4399 Toll free: 1-866-890-6441 www.niagara-gta.com vRS ^ ~ ® Ontario an application for participation on the Community Advisory Group (CAG) that is being established for this study. The CAG will act as a sounding board and provide the Study Team with advice and community perspectives on project issues. The Niagara to GTA Corridor Planning and EA study will be undertaken in accordance with the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act- (OEAA), the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (CEAA), and the Niagara to GTA Corridor Environmental Assessment Terms of Reference (ToR), which was approved by the Minister of the Environment in June 2006. At the completion of Phase 1, a Transportation Needs Assessment Report documenting the preliminary planning alternatives recommended for future transportation projects will be prepared. Comments and information regarding this project will be collected 'to assist the MTO in meeting the requirements of the OEAA. This material will be maintained on file for use during the project and may be included in project documentation. Information collected will be used in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and the Access to Information Act. With the exception of personal information (e.g. name and address), all comments will become part of the public record. Please feel free to visit us at http://www.niagara-gta.com to obtain further information and updates regarding this. study. Thank you for your cooperation and assistance. Sincerely, ,.~~{ ~I Mr. John Slobodzian Project Coordinator Provincial and Environmental Planning Office Ontario Ministry of Transportation NGTA Project Team c/o URS Canada Inc. 75 Commerce Valley Drive East Markham, ON Canada L3T 7N9 Tel: 905.882.4401 Fax: 905.882.4399 Toll free:1-866-890-6441 www.niagara-gta.com '' ; Mr. Paul Hudspith, P. Eng. Consultant Project Manager URS Canada Inc. ~ g ~/~~ ~ The Regional Municipality of Niagara Nis ara Region 2201 St. David's Road, P.O. Box 1042 D1iAf°., FALLS CLERY.S't~2 ()~(]'ji~r~StG,Ontario L2V 4T7 Telephone: 905-984-3630 PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT Fax: 905-641-5208 E-mail: plan@regional.niagara.on.ca May 30, 2007 Files: D.13.RE.am 1-2007 E.01.EN.as D.01.QU.ap Mr. Dean lorfida Clerk City of Niagara Falls 4310 Queen Street Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5 Dear Mr. lorfida: Re: Nofice of Council Adopfion Regional Policy Plan Amendment 7-2007 and Approval of Niagara Falls Official Plan Amendment No. 70 Walker Landfill Expansion City of Nia4ara Falls Regional Council adopted Amendment 1-2007 to the Regional Policy Plan and approved Niagara Falls Official Plan Amendment No. 70 on May 24, 2007. The Amendments permit a landfill operation and ancillary facilities for the disposal of non-hazardous solid waste in Walker's South Quarry which is nearly depleted of stone. The Regional Municipality of Niagara is exempt from the need to seek approval from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing for the Amendment to the Regional Policy Plan and is the approval authority for local official plans and amendments. If no requests for referral to the Ontario Municipal Board are received within 20 days from this Notice, then Regional Policy Plan Amendment 1-2007 and Niagara Falls Official Plan Amendment No. 70 will be deemed to be approved on the day following the last day for referrals. The last date of appeal is June 19, 2007. You will find enclosed a copy of the Notice of Adoption, By-law 53-2007, Regional Policy Plan Amendment 1-2007 and the Notice of Approval for Niagara Falls Official Plan Amendment No. 70. Also, a copy of Planning Report DPD 66-2007 is provided for information purposes. If you have any questions, please contact Ken Forgeron, Senior Planner, or me. Yours trul , Corwin T. Cambray, MCIP, Commissioner of Planning and Development c: Ms. Pam Gilroy, Regional Clerk Mr. Doug Darbyson, MCIP, RPP, Planning Director, City of Niagara Falls Mr. John Barnsley, Manager, Policy Planning, City of Niagara Falis Ms. Francesca Berardi, Planner, City of Niagara Falls Enclosures Building Community. Building Lives. File No: RE.am-1-2007 Date of Adoption: May 24, 2007 Municipality: Regional Niagara Date of Notice: May 30, 2007 Subject Lands: Walker Landfill Expansion Last Date of Appeal: June 19, 2007 City of Niagara Falls NOTICE OF ADOPTION With respect to a Regional Policy Plan Amendment Subsection 17(23) of the Planning Act Regional Council on May 24, 2007 adopted Amendment 1-2007 to the Policy Plan for the Regional Municipality of Niagara by By-law 53- 2007. Purpose and Effect of the Regional Policy Plan Amendment The purpose of Amendment 1-2007 is to permit a landfill operation and ancillary facilities for the disposal of non- hazardous solid waste in Walker's South Quarry which is nearly depleted of stone. The subject site is 85.7 hectares in size and generally is located north of Thorold Stone Road, west of Taylor Road, south of former Mountain Road and east of Thorold Townline Road in the City of Niagara Falls. When and How to File an Appeal Any appeal to the Ontario Municipal Board must be filed with the Clerk of the Regional Municipality of Niagara no later than 20 days from the date of this notice as shown above as the last date of appeal. The appeal should be sent to the attention to the Planner, at the address shown below and it must, f1) set out the specific part of the proposed official plan amendment to which the appeal applies, 12) set out the reasons for the request for the appeal, and (3) be accompanied by the fee prescribed under the Ontario Municipal Board Act in the amount of 5125.00 payable by certified cheque or money order to the Minister of Finance, Province of Ontario. Who Can File an Appeal Only individuals, corporations or public bodies may appeal the decision to the Ontario Municipal Board. Ar appeal may not be filed by an unincorporated association or group. However, an appeal may be filed in the name of an individual who is a member of the association or group. When the Decision is Final The proposed Policy Plan Amendment is exempt from approval by the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing and the decision of Regional Council is final if a Notice of Appeal is not received on or before the last date of appeal noted above. Other Related Applications Amendments to the City of Niagara Falls Official Plan and Zoning By-law. Certificate of Approval under the Environmental Protection Act Getting Additional Information Additional information about the application is available for public inspection during regular office hours in the Regional Niagara Planning and Development Department offices at 2201 St. David's Road, Thorold. Mailing Address for Filing a Notice of Appeal Pam Gilroy Regional Clerk Regional Municipality of Niagara 2201 St. David's Road P.O. Box 1042 Thorold, Ontario L2V 4T7 Submit notice of appeal to the attention of Ken Forgeron, MCIP, RPP, Senior Planner Tel: (905) 984-3630 FAX: (905) 641-5208 Bill 53 THE REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF NIAGARA BY-LAW NO. 53-2007 A BY-LAW TO PROVIDE FOR THE ADOPTION OF AMENDMENT 1-2007 TO THE OFFICIAL PLAN FOR THE NIAGARA PLANNING AREA TO PERMIT THE PROPOSED WALKER LANDFILL EXPANSION IN THE CITY OF NIAGARA FALLS WHEREAS it is deemed expedient to further amend the Official Plan heretofore adopted by Regional Council for the Niagara Planning Area, THEREFORE the Council of the Regional Municipality of Niagara enacts as follows: 1. That the text attached hereto and so designated is hereby approved as Amendment 1-2007 to the Official Plan for the Niagara Planning Area. 2. That the Regional Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to give notice of Council's adoption ~in accordance with Section 17(23) of the Planning Act. 3. That this By-law shall come into force and take effect on the day upon which it is passed. r THE REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF NIAGARA Peter Partington,.Regional Ch it Pam Gilroy, Regional CI k Passed: May 24, 2007 Bill 53 AMENDMENT 1-2007 TO THE OFFICIAL.-PLAN FOR THE NIAGARA PLANNING AREA The Official Plan for the Niagara Planning Area is amended as follows: "Policy 7.E.14.1 Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 6- Agriculture and Rural Areas and above Policy 7.E.14- Environmental: Mineral Resources in the Regional Niagara Policy Plan, a landfill and ancillary facilities for the disposal of non-hazardous solid waste is permitted in accordance with approvals under the Environmental Assessment Act and Environmental Protection Act, on an 85.68 hectare property (53.9 hectare landfill footprint limit) generally located north of Thorold Stone Road, west of Taylor Road, south of former Mountain Road and east of Thorold Townline Road in the City of Niagara Falls (Township Lots 31, 49, 50 & 66 in former Township of Stamford). The after use of the property following landfilling, if other than agriculture, will require an amendment to this Plan." Notice of Decision to Approve Official Plan Amendment No. 70 Walker Landfill Expansion City of Niagara Falls Purpose of Amendment Amendment No.70 to the City of Niagara Falls Official Plan will permit a private landfill use within an existing quarry through a Special Policy provision of the Extractive Industrial designation in the Official Plan. The amendment affects 85.68 hectares of land located north of Thorold Stone Road, on the west side of Taylor Road, south of the former Mountain Road and east of Thorold Townline Road (part of Lots 31, 49, 50 and 66). Decision to Approve The Council of the Regional Municipality of Niagara, as the approval authority under the Planning Act, has made a decision to approve Amendment No. 70 to the Niagara Falls Official Plan. Process for Appealing a Decision Any person or public body who disagrees with the above decision may appeal all or part of that decision to the Ontario Municipal Board by filing a notice of appeal with the Regional Municipality of Niagara. If a decision is appealed, the Ontario Municipal Board will make the final decision on the Amendment. A notice of appeal must Ii- be made in writing to: Pam Gilroy, Regional Clerk Regional Municipality of Niagara 2201 St. David's Road, P.O. Box 1042 Thorold, Ontario, L2V 4T7 Iii) set out the specific part(s) of the proposed Official Plan Amendment to which the appeal applies (iii) give the reasons for the appeal (iv) be accompanied 6y a fee of S 125.00 in the form of a certified cheque or money order payable to the Minister of Finance (this is the fee required by the Ontario Municipal Boardl, and Ivl be submitted by June 19, 2007 which is the last day for filing a notice of appeal The decision of the Regional Municipality of Niagara to approve this Amendment is final if a notice of appeal is not received before or on the last day for filing a notice of appeal. Only individuals, corporations or public bodies may appeal a decision of the approval authority to the Ontario Municipal Board. A notice of appeal may not be made by an unincorporated association or group. However, a notice of appeal may be made in the name of an individual who is a member of the association or the group on its behalf. If you wish to appeal to the OMB, a copy of an appeal form is available from the OMB website at www.omb.aov.on.ca. Additional Information Additional information on the proposed Official Plan Amendment and the decision is available to the public for inspection in the offices of the Planning and Development Department at the Regional Municipality of Niagara Administration Building, 2201 St. David's Road, Thorold from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Telephone: (905) 984-3630 or 1-800-263-7215). Date Mailed: May 30, 2007 Last Day for Filing a Notice of Appeal: June 19, 2007 DPD 66-2007 May 16, 2007 • Files: D.13.RE.am 1-2007 E.01.EN.as D.01.QU.ap Niagara~~`f Region. REPORT TO: Co-Chairs and Members of the Planning and Public Works Committee SUBJECT: Final Recommendations Report Regional Policy Plan Amendment 1-2007 & Niagara Falls Official Plan Amendment 70 Proposed Walker Landfill Expansion City of Niagara Falls RECOMMENDATIONS • That this Committee recommend to Regional Council: 1. That Regional Policy Plan Amendment 1-2007 to permit a landfill operation and ancillary facilities for the disposal of non-hazardous solid waste in Walker's South Quarry be approved. 2. That a By-law be prepared for the adoption of Regional Policy Plan Amendment 1- 2007 by Regional Council. 3. That Amendment No. 70 to the City of Niagara Falls Official Plan be approved. 4. That Notice of Council's decision regarding Regional Policy Plan Amendment 1-2007 and Amendment No. 70 to the City of Niagara Falls Official Plan be given in accordance with Planning Act requirements. 5. That a copy of this report be forwarded to the City of Niagara Falls, Walker Industries, the Province, and other interested stakeholders and commenting bodies. PURPOSE This report provides final recommendations on applications to amend the Regional Policy Plan and the City of Niagara Falls Official Plan to permit a landfill operation and ancillary facilities for the disposal of non-hazardous solid waste in Walker's South Quarry which is • nearly depleted of stone. A location map is provided on page 2. Niagara'~~`f Region Regional Policy Plan Amendment #I -2007 Niagara Falls Official Plan Amendment #70 Proposed Walker Landfill Expansion Gity of Niagara Falls Location Map DPD 66-2007 May 16; 2007 Page 2 w' e tanning and Development Departmer DPD 66-2007 May 16, 2007 Page 3 • EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Applications to amend the Regional Policy Plan and the Niagara Falls Official Plan were submitted by Walker Bros. Quarries Ltd. to permit a private landfill operation on an 85.7 hectare site in Walker's South Quarry which is nearing completion. The proposal is to accommodate on an annual basis for the next 20 to 25 years up to 850,000 tonnes of mainly solid, non-hazardous industrial, commercial and institutional waste generated in the Province. Included in this amount is an allowance of up to 100,000 tonnes per year reserved for the Niagara Region for emergency/contingency purposes. Discussions are underway, we understand, to negotiate long term landfill capacity with Walker Industries at both their existing landfill site and proposed landfill expansion. Environmental Assessment (EA) approval for the undertaking was given by the Minister of Environment this past fall. That review process began in 2003 to assess the environmental implications of the proposal. Before it can proceed, however, local and Regional Planning approvals are required to allow local and Regional Councils to decide on the principle of land use change from a community planning standpoint. Also, a Certificate of Approval must be issued by the Ministry of Environment on the details of the design and operation of the landfill. • This report describes the nature and purpose of the planning application, the site and surrounding area, the results of the formal public meeting under the Plannin_g Act; and provides a summary of affected agency comments. The report then provides a review and analysis of the policy issues reflected in the Regional Policy Plan, the Provincial Places to Grow Growth Plan, the Provincial Policy Statement and, finally, the Niagara Falls Official Plan. In terms of the Regional Policy Plan, information and analysis is provided on demonstrated need, evaluation of alternatives, design and operation of the site, compatibility with surrounding land uses, haul route and site entrance, air quality, noise and vibration, archaeological/built heritage and cultural landscape, social/cultural impacts, groundwater/well water supplies, impact on the natural environment and servicing. Landfill operations, by their very nature represent major industrial land use intrusions into the landscape posing a number of potential impacts on the environment and on surrounding community. The review of this proposal was assisted significantly through: / the broad range of technical studies available as required under the Environmental Assessment Act and the Environmental Protection Act. / the ability for local and Regional staff, other government agencies, stakeholders and neighbours to participate on an Environmental Assessment Committee to comment on the Terms of Reference for the proposal and to review the supporting technical studies. / the quite comprehensive public and stakeholder engagement program beginning in 2003. • This process has allowed for changes to be incorporated into the proposal, mitigation measures to be devised and contingency plans considered to deal with unanticipated issues. Walkers appear to have taken a comprehensive approach to the planning, technical assessment and public consultation aspects of this major land use proposal in DPD 66-2007 May 16, 2007 Page 4 • Niagara Falls. Finally, before landfill activity can proceed, the company will be required to undertake more detailed engineering work on the design and operations aspects of the facility in compliance with any Certificate of Approval requirements from the Ministry of Environment. After considering all of the policy requirements set out in Regional and Provincial plans, it is recommended that Regional Council support the local and Regional amendments for the proposed landfill operation. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS If approved, the proposed landfill expansion would provide an additional allowance of between 50,000 and 100,000 tonnes per year to be dedicated to the Region, to be used for contingency/emergency waste disposal purposes. As discussed previously in PWA 83- 2007, Regional Public Works have recommended that staff be authorized to negotiate long term landfill capacity with Walker Industries at both their existing landfill site and proposed landfill expansion. In terms of servicing costs for treating leachate generated from landfill activities, Walkers either will have to maintain or amend the current sewer/treatment agreement that exists with both the Region and the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake affecting the Port Weller • Sewage Treatment Plant and associated conveyance system. REPORT Nature and Purpose of the Planning Application The purpose of the application is to permit an existing private landfill operation to expand in a southerly direction onto an 85.7 hectare property currently being operated as a quarry but nearing depletion. The landfill footprint takes up 53.9 hectares which generally reflects the limits of the licensed aggregate extraction limit in the South Quarry. The remaining area includes lands in the setback limit and the Ten Mile Creek steam channel. As shown on the attached map, the subject site generally is located north of Thorold Stone Road, west of Taylor Road, south of former Mountain Road and east of Thorold Townline Road in the City of Niagara Falls. Approvals Required: Niagara Waste Systems Ltd. (a subsidiary of Walker Industries Holdings Ltd.), herein referred to as "Walkers", received conditional approval on November 16, 2006, from the Ministry of Environment underthe EnvironmentaiAssessmentAct. The landfill has been • approved to take up to 850,000 tonnes of waste per year comprising solid, non-hazardous industrial, commercial and institutional waste (ICI) generated in the Province of Ontario. Within the site's approved capacity, up to 100,000 tonnes of municipal solid waste. is to be DPD 66-2007 May 16, 2007 Page 5 • reserved annually for the Niagara Region. The estimated total capacity is about 17.7 million tonnes over a planning period of approximately 20 to 25 years. In issuing the decision on the EA, the Minister concluded, in part, that: o On the basis of proponent's EA and Review, the proponent's conclusion that, on balance, the advantages of this undertaking outweigh its disadvantages. o No other beneficial alternative method of implementing the undertaking was identified. o On the basis of the EA, the Review and the conditions of approval, the construction, operation and maintenance of the undertaking will be consistent with purpose of the Act. o The Government Review Team and the public review of the EA have identified no outstanding concerns that cannot be addressed through conditions of approval. Before the proponent can proceed, the design and operations details of the landfill must be reviewed and approved by the Ministry under the Environmental Protection Act and Ontario Water Resources Act. This review is underway at the Provincial level. Also, amendments (the subject of this report) are required under the Planningr Act to the Regional Policy Plan, as well as to the Niagara Falls Official Plan and Zoning By-law to permit the proposed land use. Regional and local Planning staff have worked together to • co-ordinate and streamline the planning review process. The application is just outside of the Greenbelt Plan and Niagara Escarpment Planning area. Beginning in early 2003, Regional Planning and Public Works staff participated on an Environmental Assessment Committee consisting of the company, community and government agency/stakeholders to assist in the development and review of Terms of Reference for the project, and to review and comment on a series of discussion/consultation papers comprising the EA. This information has been useful background for reviewing the local and Regional planning applications now being considered. A copy of the proposed Regional Amendment is attached as Appendix I. Site and Surrounding Area In addition to its significant, longstanding quarrying and aggregate processing operations in this area, Walkers operates what they describe as an integrated system of waste management facilities anchored by, and dependent upon, their East Landfill. Services include residential and small business recycling; yard waste and waste drop-off; composting for organic waste; landfill gas collection and distribution for re-use; recycling of asphalt, concrete, glass and other ICI materials; haulage for waste and recyclables; and a planned bio-solids management facility. • The existing landfill site which opened in 1982 has about two to three years of capacity remaining we are told. This facility is licensed by the Province to accept primarily non- hazardous ICI waste from businesses both within and outside Niagara. Some relatively smaller amounts of domestic municipal household waste also are accepted at this facility DPD 66-2007 May 16, 2007 Page 6 • through a public drop-off depot. In the past, some residential waste from outside Niagara has been accepted on an emergency basis. However, most residential waste which is generated in Niagara today is managed by the Niagara Region. Walker's current landfill operation is located within a portion of an existing, licensed mined- out quarry (Walker Bros. Quarries Ltd.) generally located in the northeast quadrant of Thorold Stone Road and Townline Road near the brow of the Niagara Escarpment. Walker's administrative offices, aggregate processing, composting and recycling operations all are located to the north of the existing landfill site. To the south of the existing landfill (south of former Mountain Road), aggregate extraction is nearly complete. It is on this property that a landfill is proposed. The company is to continue its extraction operations on another licensed property east of Taylor Road. Extraction there has already started. Other surrounding uses include: o To the west, a municipal cemetery, Regional Public Works and Police service yards, some rural residential development, industrial properties and St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation lands. o To the south, two drainage courses, including Ten Mile Creek, agricultural lands, • wooded areas and several rural residential uses mainly along Thorold Stone Road. o To the east, a large parcel of land licensed for future quarry extraction, a portion of Ten Mile Creek, the Trans Canada Pipeline, several wooded areas, agricultural lands and a string of rural residences along Garner Road. o To the north of the larger Walker facility is a CNR line, Woodend Conservation area, agricultural land, Royal Niagara Golf Club, and the Glendale Urban Area at the foot of the Escarpment which contains Niagara College, Niagara-on-the-Green subdivision and White Oaks Conference Centre near the QEW. Results of Public Meeting A public meeting to consider comments and questions from the public was held on February 21, 2007 in the Regional Council Chambers. An informal Open House was held in the afternoon prior to the public meeting to allow the public to view maps, drawings and reports and to ask questions on the proposal. Only one member of the public attended the open house, St. Catharines Councillor Heather Foss. Representing the Regional Planning and Public Works Committee was Councillor Bill Smeaton. Niagara Falls resident Jean Grandoni was the only member of the public attending the public meeting. Ms Grandoni's concerns pertain to: o Accepting waste from locations outside Niagara, • o The large size of the proposed landfill expansion which in her view will discourage recycling and waste reduction efforts in Niagara and across Ontario, o The impact of leachate on surrounding well water supplies, and o The choice of landfill versus the incineration option. DPD 66-2007 May 16, 2007 Page 7 • A copy of the public meeting summary is attached as Appendix II. Also, a copy of the proponent's presentation slides is included in Appendix II. Summary of Affected Agency Comments The following agencies were requested to comment on the impact of this application as it relates to their programs and policies. • the City of Niagara Falls • the Regional Public Works Department • the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake • the City of Thorold • the Niagara Escarpment Commission • the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority • the Regional Ecological and Environmental Advisory Committee • the Regional Agricultural Sub-Committee • the Regional Niagara Bicycling Committee • the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing • the Ministry of the Environment • Enbridge Pipelines Inc. • TransCanada Pipelines On April 16, 2007, the City of Niagara Falls passed a by-law to approve Walker's application to amend the Official Plan to permit a private landfill for non-hazardous solid waste. Council also supported the related Regional Policy Plan Amendment. The Regional Public Works Department had no objections to the proposal. From a waste management perspective the Region is contemplating using Walker's existing and proposed landfill for contingency at a minimum in both the long and short term, and to address disposal requirements for the waste remaining after source separated diversion programs andlor alternative disposal technologies. From a roadways standpoint, the location, design and signalization of a new east entrance on Taylor Road is acceptable. Moreover, safety considerations have been evaluated including the impact upon bicycling on this portion of the Regional Bicycling Network. Finally, from a servicing perspective, engineering options are being developed for approval in order to manage the expected increase in leachate generation from the proposed landfill expansion in a manner that is acceptable to both the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake and the Region. • In commenting on the servicing and development implications of the proposal, the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake has indicated that they are comfortable that the existing agreement between the Town and Walkers, and its subsequent renewal anticipated later in 2007, will protect the Town's ability to develop the Glendale Community as required. DPD 66-2007 May 16, 2007 Page 8 • The City of Thorold had no comments or objection the proposed amendments. The Niagara Escarpment Commission does not object to the principle of recognizing the proposed land use. They request that the future agricultural end use of these lands include a landscaping component to further naturalize the views and provide a vegetated skyline from Woodend Conservation Area, the Skyway Bridge and Maplehurst Inn. The Niagara Peninsula Conservation .Authority has indicated that its concerns and issues have been addressed through the Environmental Assessment process for the landfill expansion as well as though the Permit to Take Water process. Also, compliance with the Environmental Protection Actwill be a requirement. The Regional Ecological and Environmental Advisory Committee (EEAC) has had considerable, ongoing involvement in the review of Walker's application including the review of the Environmental Assessment, the design and operations details and the local and Regional Planning applications. EEAC has found it difficult to assess the environmental impacts of the proposal because the assessment was conducted at a conceptual level using a standard Ministry model and based on the generic characteristics of the proposed undertaking, rather than on a specific design and plan of operations. The Committee continues to believe that more engineering • detail and analysis is needed in order for the Ministry of the Environment to establish specific Certificate of Approval requirements for the landfill. Following a meeting involving Walker representatives, EEAC recommended that its report dated February 27, 2007, be sent to the Minister of Environment requesting a written response to the comments and questions raised. The Ministry has been asked to confirm whether or not Walker's design and operations proposals can be carried out in an environmentally acceptable fashion in accordance with Provincial requirements. The Regional Agricultural Sub-Committee took no position on the planning proposals. The Regional Niagara Bicycling Committee had several concerns relating to bicycling safety and shifting heavy truck traffic to a proposed new entrance on Taylor Road, which is part of the Regional Bicycling Network. The Committee's suggestions for signage, design and signalization changes at the proposed entrance have been incorporated into the proposal. The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing may be providing comments on behalf of the Province at a later date prior to the May 16, 2007 Planning and Public Works Committee meeting. The Ministry of the Environment has no objection to the granting of planning approvals pursuant to the Planning Act for both the local and Regional amendments. Given that • Environmental Assessment Act approval has been granted with conditions, Walker's undertaking will be subject to further scrutiny and assessment by the Ministry where the mandate and concerns of the Ministry will be addressed. • DPD 66-2007 May 16, 2007 Page 9 Enbridge Pipelines Inc. had no comments or concerns with the proposal. TransCanada Pipelines had no concerns with the proposed amendment but raised questions regarding truck traffic and its possible affect on pipeline integrity. A copy of all agency comments is attached as Appendix III to this report. Planning Policy Review and Analysis 1. The Regional Policy Plan In order for Walkers to undertake an expansion to their existing landfill operation, several local, Regional and Provincial approvals are required. In its review of Walker's Environmental Assessment submission, the Ministry acknowledged that: "Walker is also required to secure local planning approvals under the Planning Act before the undertaking may proceed." Land use planning approvals are required to set the basic public policy context for decisions on specific community development and conservation projects. It is important for • a municipal Council to make decisions first on the rip nciple of the land use change (Planning Act) and how it relates to community goals before allowing a major land use like this to proceed. In terms of the Regional Policy Plan, Policy 7.E.14 requires that the Walker quarry be rehabilitated in a progressive and sequential manner for agricultural use following licensing and extraction. In its expansion application in the early 1990s, Walkers developed detailed rehabilitation plans and programs to show how this work would proceed. To address earlier public concerns that the quarry may be used for future landfill purposes, Regional Council inserted a specific policy which was later approved by the Ontario Municipal Board to clearly state that following licensing and extraction any rehabilitation for uses other than agriculture shall require an Amendment to the Regional Niagara Policy Plan. Walkers agreed to this policy approach and commitment. This landfill proposal has been evaluated against the review criteria contained in Regional Policy 6.A.8. pertaining to the introduction of new non-agricultural development into the Good General Agricultural area. The relevant criteria include: / A demonstrated need for additional land to be designated within the municipality and desirability of the proposed use to the community. / There are no reasonable alternatives in Rural Areas or in Urban Areas. / There are no reasonable alternative locations in other Good General Agricultural Areas . with lower priority agricultural land. / The degree of conflict with surrounding agricultural uses. / Compliance with other policies contained in the Regional Plan, including those in Section 7 on natural heritage and mineral resources. DPD 66-2007 May 16, 2007 Page 10 • Demonstrated Need: Waste Management staff of the Regional Public Works Department has reviewed and assessed the documentation in the Environmental Assessment developed by Walkers pertaining to the rationale for the proposed undertaking. The following information from the EA is provided with respect to Provincial, Regional and local waste disposal demand. i) Provincial Waste Disposal Demand Walkers argue that there is a requirement for additional solid, non-hazardous waste disposal capacity in Ontario, notwithstanding continued aggressive waste diversion and export of waste to the U.S. Without additional disposal capacity in the Province, the export of waste outside of Ontario (most likely to Michigan) will have to increase substantially, possibly two or three times the 2003 rate of more than 3 million tonnes per year. This rate has been steadily increasing each year since 2003 and stands near 3.6 million tonnes in 2005. This is not viewed as an acceptable or sustainable practice since Ontario would then be exporting the majority of its waste, a dependence that will put the province at increasing risk of further restrictions on export being proposed by the State of Michigan. The Ontario Waste Management Association (OWMA) study (RIS, 2004) concluded that • "More permifted landfill capacity is needed in Ontario fo meef our current and future needs domestically, even if significant waste diversion occurs over time." ii) Local and Regional Waste Disposal Demand Walkers indicate that the Niagara Region has documented a shortage in long-term waste disposal capacity. Niagara Region is currently a partner with the City of Hamilton in WastePlan, a joint initiative to determine the mast appropriate method of disposing the waste that remains after diversion from both communities. It is clear, though, that the WastePlan assumes that private-sector waste management companies will continue to handle the IC&I sector wastes in the future. Walker also has been identified as an emergency/contingency location for Niagara Region waste. Walker provides highly competitive and local waste management services to an extensive list of businesses, industries and institutions throughout in the Niagara Peninsula. The company believes that local waste disposal capacity is a critical element supporting those services. The company receives about 80% of its waste at the site from within 100 km. of the site. About 30% of the waste comes from Niagara. Walker's East Landfill provided disposal capacity for approximately 230,000 tonnes of the • Niagara Region's industrial, commercial and industrial (IC&I) waste and soils in 2002. We are told that this represents the majority of the IC&I waste produced in the region. Without replacement, the majority of industries, businesses and institutions in the Niagara Region DPD 66-2007 May 16, 2007 • Page 11 would have to seek out more than 200,000 tonnes per year of disposal capacity outside of the region. Given the present and projected shortage of Ontario disposal capacity, it is likely that much of this waste would have to be exported to Michigan, or possibly to New York. Not only will the extended transport of waste likely cost local businesses more money and thereby affect their ability to compete, there would also be environmental impacts related to fuel consumption and air emissions, as well as the consumption of additional resources to establish several new transfer stations. Evaluation of Alternatives: Walkers has developed a comprehensive, integrated waste management system at its current location in Niagara Falls. The business is identified in the Regional Policy Plan as a licensed quarry and is surrounded by a Good General Agricultural area designation. The company indicates that the viability of its current cluster of waste management activities depends on additional landfill space close at hand. While they examined a number of alternative sites in the City of Niagara Falls, the majority of which included their own landholdings, the company believes that licensing additional landfill space adjacent to the existing operation is a better alternative to creating a new landfill elsewhere. Their reasons are outlined below. • The Walker operations are centrally located in the Niagara Region and provide a variety of waste management options for a wide variety of sectors, including industry, commerce, agriculture, tourism and households. Major Provincial and Regional roadways serve the site, providing multiple opportunities for site access should roadway problems arise. • The location of the landfill has facilitated the establishment of other waste management and diversion businesses on site including composting; the Region's public waste disposal/recycling drop-off centre; an asphalt, concrete and glass recycling operation; and a waste collection and diversion service. Material that cannot be reused or recycled (eg. certain types of concrete, asphalt or biosolids) may be landfilled. • The landfill and quarry operations are complementary. For example, aggregate materials are available for the leachate collection systems in the expanded landfill and for access roads. Also, sufficient suitable clay is available from quarry stripping to construct the required double liner system and provide final cover. • The Region's residential waste drop off facility serves north Niagara municipalities, reduces traffic at Regional landfill sites, may deter illegal dumping on private (and public) lands and provides an alternative for waste not picked up at the curb side. • A change in location could affect the stability of Walker's business and contracts particularly for its largest clients. The current location is central to the majority of ICI waste generators in Niagara. Some of those clients might have to travel further distances, thus, increasing environmental impacts from fuel use and air emissions. DPD 66-2007 May 16, 2007 Page 12 • • Landfill activity and environmental performance at the current location is somewhat more predictable given past experience, operating track record, knowledge of the community and past environmental monitoring history. • Anew landfill site in a different location introduces new disturbances into a new community and would have greater environmental impacts than expanding an existing landfill. • Anew landfill site requires significant capital and operating costs, whereas an expansion can take advantage of existing infrastructure such as heavy equipment, leachate collection and treatment facilities and infrastructure to collect and use landfill gas. • Continuing landfill operations at the current site will help ensure the long term supply of methane gas to nearby Abitibi Paper in Thorold which currently supplies 20% of its energy needs. • Walker is required over the long term to continue managing the closed West Quarry Landfill and soon to be closed East Quarry Landfill. There are economic and environmental benefits to managing these sites in conjunction with an operating site. • Of the twenty three sites examined in Niagara Falls, a few are located within the Urban • Area and were not considered appropriate either due to size or from a land use compatibility standpoint. The balance of the sites all are located within Good General Agricultural areas. In terms of agricultural capability, the soils are Classes 2 and 3 lands. There are no Rural area designations in Niagara Falls. Only three sites located on or near the existing landfill site were large enough to accommodate the amount of waste needed for landfill. These three sites were selected for screening and evaluation through the EA process. • Finally, Walkers, in partnership with the University of Guelph, is carrying out an - extensive agricultural end use research project whose recommendations are to be considered during the development of a final end use plan for the proposed South Landfill. An agricultural end use for the site is still assumed. The findings may be transferable to other landfill operations across the Province. The Regional Policy Plan indicates that non-agricultural uses should not be located in Agricultural areas. Lower priority agricultural lands or Rural areas would have been more preferable. Given that Walkers already has a longstanding, integrated waste management _ .and aggregate extraction operation at its current location in Niagara Falls, it is Regional staffs view that Walkers has provided sufficient information to demonstrate that from the "need" and "alternative sites" perspectives, the proposed landfill expansion within the depleted South Quarry is acceptable. • • DPD 66-2007 May 16, 2007 Page 13 Design and Operation The Environmental Assessment process recommended that the following design and operations components be brought forward for further detailed evaluation under the Environmental Protection Act process. The main elements include: ^ Use of the Ministry of Environment design and operating requirements for new landfill sites under Ontario Regulation 232/98. ^ Service area is the Province of Ontario and waste type is solid, non-hazardous waste. ^ Site capacity: 17.7 million tonnes. ^ Landfi0 footprint: 53.9 hectares which generally reflects the limits of the licensed aggregate extraction limit in the South Quarry. This does not include lands in setback areas or the Ten Mile Creek steam channel. ^ Waste volume: up to 850,000 tonnes per year including an allowance of up to 100,000 tonnes per year dedicated exclusively to the Niagara Region. ^ Hours of operation: 7:00 am to 7:00 pm Monday to Friday; and 7:00 am to 1:00 pm Saturday. Closed on Sundays and statutory holidays. Operating hours for landfill trucks during week days would be 7:00 am to 5:00 pm. as is currently the case. ^ Anticipated stan=up: site preparation in 2008 and landfill commencement in 2009. ^ Site entrance and haul routes (described later in this report). Internal haul roads will • be on the perimeter, including former Mountain Road. ^ Buffer areas: minimum 30 metre operational setbacks are to be provided along Taylor Road, Ten Mile Creek and from the edge of the existing East Landfill. Also, Walkers owns the most of the properties adjacent to these buffer zones. ^ Phasing: after aggregate extraction is complete, landfill operations are to proceed in four stages beginning in the south and moving northward. ^ Storm water and groundwater seepage collected on the undeveloped portions of landfill floor, perimeter areas and active working areas will be directed through a pipe beneath the East Landfill, treated as required and discharged to the Old Welland Canal. ^ An MOE "Generic Design Option Il- Double Liner" will be used to protect groundwater from leachate contamination. Geomembrane liners and clay will be used. ^ Leachate collection and treatment leachate will be collected in the southwest corner of the site and pumped via forcemain to a leachate aeration lagoon north of the East Landfill. From there it is discharged to Niagara-on-the-Lake's (and subsequently the Niagara Region's) sanitary sewer for treatment at the Port Weller Sewage Treatment Plant. ^ Landfill gas management. to prevent explosive hazards the existing landfill gas collection system will be extended from the East Landfill. To reduce the need for flaring off excess gas, it will continue to be transported to nearby industries (currently Abitibi Paper) as a green energy source. ^ Landiil/ cover. daily cover is to be applied following each day's landfill operation to • control nuisance effects (eg. visual, litter) and facilitate vehicle access. Final landfill cover would include sub-soil, topsoil, compost, vegetation. ^ End use: an agricultural end use is assumed. Future discussions will occur on preferred end use alternatives. The after use of the property following landfilling, if other than agriculture, will require amendments to the Regional and local Official Plans. DPD 66-2007 May 16, 2007 Page 14 ^ Contingency Plans: the EA identified a range of issues that require a contingency/emergency response should unanticipated problems occur. As noted earlier, the Regional Ecological and Environmental Advisory Committee has raised a number of issues and concerns with the design and operations details of the proposal. Their comments are contained in Appendix III and pertain to site capacity, landfill design, phasing, buffer area, groundwater protection and leachate collection. The Ministry of Environment has been asked to confirm whether or not Walker's design and operations proposals can be carried out in an environmentally acceptable fashion in accordance with Provincial requirements. Walker's have responded by saying that in choosing to use the Ministry's generic liner and leachate collection model they are committed to build exactly in accordance with the Ministry's generic design. A Certificate of Approval will not be issued by the Ministry unless the landfill can be designed and operated in an environmentally acceptable way. In its letter dated April 12, 2007, the Ministry has indicated it has no objection to the local and Regional Planning approvals. Further scrutiny of the undertaking will occur under the Environmental Protection Act and Ontario Water Resources Act before it can proceed, thus addressing impacts on the environment. It is our understanding that the Certificate of Approval from the Ministry will not be issued for this proposal until all Planning Act amendments are in place. Compatibility with Surrounding Land Uses With the exception of the existing quarry extraction and waste management activities operated by Walkers, the predominant character of the surrounding area is agricultural with a mixture of scattered non-farm uses. The overall mix of land uses includes agricultural lands, forested areas, idle and scrub lands, non-farm residential development and urban land uses. A more detailed list of uses was outlined earlier in this report. As part of the environmental assessment study, Walkers undertook a number of technical environmental studies to document the existing and expected future environmental conditions on-site and in the vicinity, along the haul routes and in the broader communities. Some of the more sensitive land uses considered in the studies included the strip of rural residential uses to the east along Garner Road; the existing homes, businesses and municipal cemetery to the west along Thorold Townline Road; and the residential, institutional and commercial developments to the north at the base of the Escarpment along Taylor Road. The issue of land use compatibility is discussed briefly in the following sections in terms of the major factors affecting it. Haul Route and Sit Entrance: • • The current and proposed landfill is well situated near major travel routes. Seven haul • route/entrance alternatives were evaluated against a set of criteria generally involving air quality, road use and safety, community and property impacts and the natural environment. The preferred alternative proposed through the EA would see the larger, long distance (outside Niagara) waste trucks using the QEW, Hwy 406, Thorold Stone DPD 66-2007 May 16, 2007 Page 15 • Road, Taylor Road route to a new east entrance on Taylor Road. Many of those trucks, we understand, currently take the Glendale exit off of the QEW to access the northern entrance. Walkers indicates that through client contracts these trucks (which would account for 2/3`d of the waste) would be required to use the designated new haul route rather than other roadways containing more sensitive land uses such as Townline Road and Glendale Avenue/Taylor Road near Niagara College and Niagara-on-the-Green. Trucks hauling waste from locations across Niagara can continue to use all surrounding roadways to access the new east entrance. Walkers have indicated that, with the exception of possible truck traffic generated by the Region should it choose to use the site, the landfill truck traffic levels will approximate what they are today for the existing landfill operation. It is estimated that about 53 trucks per hour will enter the new east entrance when landfill activity is at its highest. Walkers estimate that there would be about 56 trucks per hour entering the new entrance if Regional collection trucks are included. The studies conclude that there will be a negligible impact on the study area road network. From noise, dust, odour, visibility and litter standpoints, this alternative should help reduce the impact of truck traffic on a number of residential uses along the existing haul route. • Finally, with Regional Niagara Bicycling Committee input on certain design aspects, the proposed new entrance should address bicycling safety issues. Additional inbound and outbound turning lanes, signalization and signage will be provided. The Regional Public Works Transportation Services Division is satisfied with the traffic information submitted. Air Quality, Noise & Vibration; Dust levels are expected, on occasion, to exceed Provincial guidelines at residential and other receptor locations due to roadway traffic, Walker operations and agricultural activity. Additional dust management measures, including increasing the frequency of wet vacuum sweeping on on-site paved roads and off-site road edges/shoulders, speed limit reductions for internal traffic, use of winter dust suppressant, all should assist in reducing air quality exceedances. Technical studies for the EA indicate that odour from the landfill operation as well as the compost site has been a nuisance in the surrounding community. Mitigation is to include more efficient gas collection system design and increased attention to covering waste once it is brought to the site. Off-site air quality is predicted to meet all health-related standards for landfill gas emissions. Walker's existing aggregate and waste management operations all contribute to elevated noise levels in the community. The company indicates that continuous noise sources from • on-site operations will be brought into compliance with applicable Provincial guidelines. One of the major mitigation measures includes perimeter berming on the landfill property. They indicate that the predicted differences in noise levels for external haul routes, with and without the expansion, are considered to be barely audible. DPD 66-2007 May 16, 2007 Page 16 • Archaeological/Built Heritage & Cultural Landscape; Given that the proposed site has been nearly fully quarried, the potential to disturb archaeological remains is not of concern. This issue was addressed to the satisfaction of the Province when the quarry license was considered in the early 1990s. Also, the proponent's studies indicate that there is little potential for adverse effects on built heritage features or cultural landscapes in the vicinity of the project. Social/Cultural Impacts: A new landfill in the South Quarry certainly is compatible with the existing aggregate extraction, processing and waste management activities to the north, as well as with some of the existing Regional works facilities to the west. In other parts of the community immediately surrounding the proposed landfill site to the west, south and east (ie. mainly along Thorold Townline, Thorold Stone and Garner roads), the effects of waste haulage and landfill activity are major influences on the use and enjoyment of private property. Dust, noise, odours, litter and visibility are significant concerns. Walkers indicate that while mitigation measures will reduce some of these nuisance effects, there may be occasions where some noise, dust, litter and odour will occur. Therefore, the company has agreed to: ^ maintain a community litter collection program, • ^ continue its traffic speed control program, including off-site policing, ^ maintain a complaint and response protocol, ^ enhance its community outreach program to provide information and get feedback, ^ enhance maintenance for Walker owned residential properties in the neighbourhood, and ^ provide compensation of $5000 per year to deal with nuisances (eg. window washing) to residents within 500 metres of the landfill. Also, a property value protection program will be put in place for existing property owners once all approvals for the proposed landfill expansion are in place in order to eliminate any potential loss in property value. Finally, a host community compensation program has been agreed to which would provide: o $0.75 per tonne, up to $560,000 annually (or $14 million) over 20 years for the City of Niagara Falls, and o $0.25 per tonne, up to $187,000 annually (or $4.5 million) over 20 years for the City of Thorold. Groundwater/WeII Supplies: The existing quarry and east landfill create a sink or drawdown effect in the local groundwater system. Stormwater and groundwater that is captured in the quarry and • below the landfill is treated and then piped to the Old Welland Canal. Groundwater quality and quantity is not expected to be adversely affected by the proposal. The ongoing well water monitoring/sampling program currently in place (ie. all wells within 700 metres of the licensed property) as a requirement of the current quarry license will be maintained to DPD 66-2007 May 16, 2007 Page 17 • protect surrounding well water supplies for those who depend on it. In fact, two additional wells south of the proposed landfill have been added to the monitoring program. Also, this monitoring program includes a review of water flows, levels and quality for the springs and ponds along the upper bench of the Niagara Escarpment. Impact on the Natural Environment The proposal also was assessed in light of the Region's new adopted, but not yet approved, environmental policies and designations contained in Policy Plan Amendment 187. Except for Ten Mile Creek and a small perimeter woodlot, there are no other significant natural heritage features on the site. Extensive ecological studies were conducted by the proponent on and around the property to assess vegetation communities, presence of species at risk, environmentally sensitive areas, impact on the Bruce Trail and Niagara Escarpment, bird species including gulls, amphibians, mammals, rodents, landscape connectivity, streams/ponds, fish and fish habitat. The studies have determined that there would be minimal on and off-site impacts. A comprehensive pest management plan will be implemented to control seagulls that commonly frequent landfill operations. • In terms of visualllandscape character, concerns over the aesthetics of an above ground pyramid landfill configuration were raised by a number of nearby neighbours as well as the Niagara Escarpment Commission. Computer simulations of the proposed landfill were developed from various viewpoints to identify where enhanced screening and berming would be needed. Relocated Ten Mile Creek and its associated new valley system is to have additional rehabilitation plantings and a trail system. Walkers state that the landfill will blend into the surrounding landscape through plantings that mature over time, and through progressive and final rehabilitation to an agricultural end use. Existing berms on the east side of Townline Road and west side of Taylor Road are to receive additional plantings, and new berms with plantings are to be provided west of Garner Road and east of Townline Road to provide a screen from existing residences. Finally, at the request of the Niagara Escarpment Commission, as a condition of EA approval the Ministry of Environment requires Walkers to develop a landscape plan for the northwest side slopes (Stage 4) to further naturalize the views to provide a vegetated skyline from Woodend Conservation Area, the Skyway Bridge and Maplehurst Inn. Servicing In terms of servicing requirements for treating leachate generated from expanded landfill activities, Walkers has been informed that they either will have to maintain or amend the current sewer/treatment agreement that exists with both the Region and the Town of • Niagara-on-the-Lake affecting the Port Weller Sewage Treatment Plant. The Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake is concerned about protecting their ability to develop the Glendale Community as anticipated in the Glendale Urban Design Study. DPD 66-2007 May 16, 2007 Page 18 • It is our understanding that engineering options are being developed for approval in order to manage the expected increase in leachate generation in a manner that is acceptable to both the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake and the Region. One option may involve increasing on-site storage of leachate and controlled pumping into the Region's sanitary sewer possibly in off peak hours. 2. Provincial Policies Section 3 (5) of the Planning Act, requires that decisions of the Council of a municipality and other planning authorities including the Ontario Municipal Board in respect of a planning matter: a) shall be consistent with the policy statement issued under Section 1 ;and b) shall conform to provincial plans. Provincial policies and provisions that affect this application are set out in the Places to Grow, Growth Plan, 2006 and the Provincial Policy Statement, 2005. The following policies are relevant for this application. i) Growth Plan: / Policy 4.2.3.1 deals with mineral aggregate resources and strategies for ensuring wise • use, conservation, availability, management and rehabilitation. (Landfill activify would not be scheduled to begin unfil the licensed quarry has been depleted). / Policy 4.2.4.1.d) deals with integrated waste management activities, consideration within the context of long term regional planning and collaboration with neighbouring municipalities. (This has occurred fhrough both fhe Environmenfal Assessment process and land use planning process). / Policy 5.4.4.3 deals with public and stakeholder engagement, including information sharing. (This has occurred fhrough both the Environmental Assessment process and land use planning process). ii) Provincial Policy Statement; / Policy 1.2.1 .c) deals with a coordinated, integrated and comprehensive approach when planning for infrastructure, including waste management systems. / Policy 1.3.1.d) deals with promoting economic development and competitiveness by ensuring the necessary infrastructure (e.g. waste management systems) is provided to support current and projected needs. [Also see Policy 1.1.1.g)] (The proposal would provide additional waste management service for both the Province and the Region). / Policy section 1.6 contains several policies dealing with providing such infrastructure in a co-ordinated, efficient, cost-effective and strategically located manner to accommodate projected needs. . / Policy 1.6.8.1 deals with the provision, location and design of waste management systems to accommodate present and future requirements; and to facilitate, encourage and promote reduction, reuse and recycling. (Ongoing recycling and waste diversion activities are to continue at the site). • DPD 66-2007 May 16, 2007 Page 19 / Policy 1.7.1.e) deals with the planning of waste management systems to ensure that they are appropriately designed, buffered and/or separated from sensitive land uses to prevent adverse effects from odour, noise and other contaminants, and minimize risk to public health and safety. / Policy 1.7.1.g) deals with the protection of agricultural resources and minimizing land use conflicts [Also see Policy section 2.3]. / Policy 1.7.1.h) deals with providing opportunities for increased energy generation and supply, including alternative energy systems [Also see Policies 1.8.2 and 1.8.3]. (The current contract with Abitibi Paper to supply green energy is an example of this). / Policy sections 2.1 and 2.2 deal with an assortment of policies on the protection of nearby natural heritage features and functions, as well as the quality and quantity of surface water and groundwater supplies. / Policy section 2.5.3 deals with final rehabilitation requirements of depleted extraction sites. / ~ In addition to land use approvals under the Planning Act, Policy 4.8 dealing with infrastructure approval requirements under other legislation and regulations including the Environmental Assessment Act, the Environmental Protection Act and the Ontario Water Resources Act. Regional Planning staff is satisfied that the landfill expansion as proposed is consistent • with the Provincial Policy Statement and conforms to the Places to Grow Growth Plan. 3. Niagara Falls Official Plan Amendment 70 On April 16, 2007, the City of Niagara Falls passed a by-law in support of Walker's application to amend the City's Official Plan and Zoning By-law on the subject site to permit a private landfill for non-hazardous solid waste. The subject lands are designated in the existing Official Plan as Extractive Industrial and Environmental Protection,to recognize a licensed quarry operation and lands associated with Ten Mile Creek. The proposed Amendment, through a Special Policy provision and map change, would permit a private landfill use and footprint limit on the site over the next 20 to 25 years prior to the rehabilitation of the site for agriculture. The local Amendment contains policies to cap the amount of waste to be accommodated within the landfill, establishes a time frame for the operation and its phasing, all in keeping with Provincial environmental requirements. Finally, the Amendment provides fora "Host Community Compensation Program" to ensure land use compatibility with the surrounding area. Planning and Public Works staff from both the City and the Region have been part of the review process dating back to early 2003 with the Environmental Assessment review. Staff have worked together to co-ordinate a concurrent local and Regional planning review. Considerable review of a variety of technical studies occurred through the Environmental • Assessment process which has facilitated the review of the planning aspects of the proposal. Approval of both the local and Regional Official Plan amendments will allow the proposal to proceed. DPD 66-2007 May 16, 2007 Page 20 • Conclusions Like pits and quarries, landfill operations are major industrial land use intrusions into the landscape and can pose significant impacts on the environment and surrounding neighbourhood. Walkers have operated an integrated waste management facility in this location since 1982 and have operated a quarry here for over 100 years. They have considerable experience in these businesses and would like to continue providing needed waste management and diversion services for the ICI sector in Niagara and beyond. The proposal has been subject to considerable review and scrutiny under Provincial, Regional and local requirements leading to changes in its design and operation that are more acceptable from environmental and land use compatibility standpoints. Further engineering work on the design and operations details is anticipated. It is recommended that the amendments to the Niagara Falls Official Plan and Regional Policy Plan be approved. Submitted by: Approved by: • Corwin T. Cambray, MCIP, RP Mike Trojan Commissioner of Planning Development Chief Admir ~~~ This report was pr p d by Ken Forgeron, MCIP, RPP, Senior Planner, and was reviewed by Alan ~ o, MCIP, RPP, Associate Director, Comprehensive Community Planning. APPENDICES Pages Appendix I Copy of Amendment 1-2007 21 Appendix II Summary of Public Meeting Comments 22-30 Appendix III Copy of Agency Comments 31-94 . l~ ~ The Regional Municipality of Niagara N ~ agara Rego o n 2201 St. David's Road, P.O. Box 1042 Thorold, Ontario L2V 4T7 PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT PII~.FGILSClERK., fJ{ C~51~ax:9o5n6490 2-084-3630 E-mail: plan@regional.niagara.on.ca May 11, 2007 File: D.08 WA.ma D.08.WA.pI Mr. James Scott Senior Policy Analyst Ministry of the Environment Strategic Policy Branch 135 St. Clair Avenue West Toronto, ON M4V 1 P5 Dear Mr. Scott: Re: The First Phase of Regulations Under the Clean Water Act Regional Planning staff have reviewed the draft regulations released by your Ministry on April 12, 2007 and have the following comments. Source Protection Committees Regulation ~. Composition of the Committee Under the draft regulation the Source Protection Committee (SPC) for Niagara would have 10 members. One third are to reflect the interests of the municipalities within the Planning Area.. They are to be jointly selected by the councils of those municipalities. Regional Planning staff support the principle of broad stakeholder participation in the development of the Source Protection Plan. It should be kept in mind, however, that duly elected municipal councils represent and are accountable to the full range of sfakeholders~ in .their communities. They bring to the table the full range of stakeholder interests and face the challenges involved in balancing those interests. Secondly, it is the municipalities that will bear the bulk of the responsibility for implementing the Source Protection Plan. They will be responsible for putting in place the necessary official plan policies and zoning by-laws and for implementing them. They will be responsible for regulation- of drinking water threats and for inspecting, monitoring and ensuring compliance of local property owners. Municipalities also have an understanding of the technical, economic, Legal, administrative and political implications. For these reasons it is recommended that municipal representatives should constitute the majority on the Committee. - Building Community. Building Lives. 2 2. Municipal Representation In Niagara both the Region and the area municipalities will have a strong interest in the Source Protection Plan and will want to have input. Niagara Region contains 12 area municipalities (Cities, Towns and Townships). The Region is responsible for water production, treatment and storage as well as the trunk distribution system. The area municipalities are responsible for local distribution and for billing. Both levels also have an interest in how the Source Protection Plan will impact on planning and development. The draft regulation stipulates that the date by which municipal councils must jointly provide the Source Protection Authority (SPA) with a list of persons to be appointed must be not less than 45 days after notice is given to municipal clerks. It is unrealistic to expect the-Region--and -the -1-2 -area ~municpa#ities to reach agreement =vn a list =of --~ representatives and secure the endorsement of their councils within 45 days. A minimum of 60 days would be more realistic. 3. Representation ofAgricultura! and Other Interests It is important that key stakeholders be represented on the Committee as provided for in Subsection 2(2). As organizations such as the Federations of Agriculture normally only meet on a monthly basis it is not sufficient to provide 21 days for them to submit names for appointment to the Committee. This would also be true of other organizations not covered in Subsection 2(2), such as local environmental groups. A minimum of 45 days should be provided. 4. Term of Appointment Under Subsection 9(1) members of the committee would be appointed for a term of 3 years. Municipal councillors now serve fora 4 year term however. It is recommended that the regulation be amended to provide that municipal representatives serve for the term of municipal council. 5. Public Input on Composition of the Committee Subsection 4(2) provides that the Internet notice on formation of the Committee describe the proposed composition of the Source Protection Committee and invite comments. The regulation should establish a similar requirement for newspaper notices in Subsection 4(3) as newspaper notices will reach a much larger audience. Source Protection Areas Regulation It is noted that a part of Niagara Region is included in the Hamilton Region Source Protection Area. It is assumed thatthis would. be-the very small area in the Town of Grimsby within the jurisdiction of the Hamilton Region Conservation Authority. While it is recognized that it is a key principle of the Act that the watershed is fo be the basis for source protection planning it also must be recognized that Niagara Region will 6e responsible for important aspects of plan implementation in this area but would have ;, 3 very limited involvement in developing the Hamilton Plan. When the Niagara Water Quality Protection Strategy was prepared these lands were included in the Strategy. It thus. is recommended that this small area be included in.the Niagara Peninsula SPA. Terms of Reference Regulation 7. Consultation The development of terms of reference plays a very important role in the planning process. The draft regulation would provide municipalities with 35 days to review the proposed terms of reference and provide comments. This does not provide sufficient time for municipalities to carefully review the terms of reference and formulate their comments. In Niagara, Regional Council operates on a schedule such that a minimum of 30 days. would be required. The Region would only be able to provide comments within•30days, however, if staff from the affected. Regional Departments were #ree to review the terms of reference as soon as they were released and produce a joint report. This is highly unlikely. A minimum of 45 days should be allowed for submission of municipal comments. 2. Submission fo the Source Protection Authority The regulation requires that, when the proposed regulation is submitted to the Source Protection Authority and the Minister it be accompanied by a summary bf any concerns raised by aboriginal bands that were not resolved to the satisfaction of the bands. This provision should apply to all unresolved concems, not just those that were raised by aboriginal bands. If everyone in the community is to have the opportunity to have a voice in development of the plan, as the Government has indicated, it is essential that those responsible for making decisions at each stage in the process are made aware of any unresolved concerns. Concluding Comments Regional Planning staff appreciate the opportunity to comment on the proposed regulations.. We look forward to the opportunity to comment on further regulations and guidelines being developed by the Ministry to ~support~the Clean Water Act. In the meantime, if you have any questions concerning the comments contained in this letter please contact Don Campbell, Planner in this Department. Yours truly, Corwin T. Cambray, MCIP, RP Commissioner of Plannin Development C: I. Neville, Commissioner of Public Works A. Burt, Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority Area Municipal Clerks ,/ The Regional Municipality of Niagara Niagara Region 2201 St. David's Road, P.O. Box 1042 #I1~G. Fflli.& CLERKS'fj'~ [~,fg~~l.tario L2V 4T7 Telephone: 905-984-3630 PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT Fax: 905-641-5208 E-mail: plan@regional.niagara.on.ca File: A.03 A.31.30 June 1, 2007 Mr. Doug Darbyson, MCIP, RPP Director of Planning and Development City of Niagara Falls 4310 Queen Street Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5 Dear Mr. Darbyson: Re: Plain Language for Communications As part of the Review of the Planning Function in Niagara a team was assigned the task of developing a standard format for a plain language public advertisement. The recommendations put forward by the team were reviewed and accepted by the Area Planners on February 23, 2007 and were subsequently approved by the Planning Review Committee on April 10, 2007, Planning and Public Works Committee on April 25, 2007 and Regional Council on May 3, 2007. Please find attached the final recommendation report being circulated to you for your use. It is anticipated that you will address local implementation issues as they arise. Thank you for your participation in this project. Your . L~ Corwin T. Cambray, Commissioner of9ri Attachment °frP, RPP ng and Development Building Community. Building Lives. r" - Memo Planning & Development Services {. DATE: February 26, 2007 TO: Plain language Communications Gommittee Jack Bernardi, Kathleen Dale, Kira Dalch, Doug Draper, Janice Emeneau, Mary Stack, Kirk weaver FROM: Stephen Bedford RE: Summary Report Recommendation That the attached standard ad be recommended to the Region and Area Municipa{ Staff ` as the framework for developing their statutory advertisements, and. That the following additional proposals contained in th'ss memorandum be endorsed for use. • The use of RegionlArea Municipal ads should continue for joint applications. • All municijalities should consider developing a single page approach to al[ ads for that municipality; such an approach has many tangible as well as intangible benefits to every municipality. • Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority public meeting ads should be incorporated onto municipal pages where possible. • Public advisory notice or media releases to area media outlets are important tools to Abe considered to supplement the ads far any important initiative. Background Consistent with the request from Regional Council that, °Area planners develop a standardized."plain language" public advertisement format, aided by communications resource persons from the Region, NPCA and area municipalities," - The following people volunfieered for the committee, ~. ti Stephen Bedford {NOTE}, Jack Bernardi (Thorold-, Kathleen.Dale {Lincoln}, Kira Dolch {Fort Erie}, E7oug Draper {Region communicationsf, Janice Emeneau {Region Planning}, Mary Stack {NPGA communications}, Kirk Weaver {Region Administrationl. The committee met 4 times, November 22, November29, December 14, 2006 and January 18, 2007. The committee agreed upon the following Mandate and Goals Mandate • Statutory Public Advertising/Public Information Meetings/Ads under Planning Act • Other Meetings • Other notices for issues Goats • .meet legal requirements • to attract people`s attention to the ads themselves, which in turn wilt attract them to the meetings • to engage as many people as possible in the process . + have people understand issueslset expectation for meeting • create consistency across municipalities ~ • streamline ads {Region and Municipality -one ad) The committee reviewed examples of ads presently in use across the Region and developed the attached standard ad {Attachment 1). In general the following guidelines were developed to ensure the standard was successful. • Use as few simple words as possible to describe the proposal • Ensure the map is readable -the street names are clear. • The legal part ofthe ad is necessary and must be readable but it is not as important as the information above it. • Ensure there is a lot of white space in the ads. Usfng this information the attached draft ad for statutory public meetings was agreed to as a standard. Also attached is an example of a NOTE ad developed using the guidelines from the standard (Attachment 2}. It was atso agreed that mare contrcl was necessary so that the department was confident E that the ad that was. sent. to the newspaper was printed as designed and riot reduced to a version that was difficult to read„ An example of the type style and size required in the NOTE ads is also attached (Attachrrtent 3}. The following points are also recommended, • The use of RegionlArea Municipal ads should continue for }Dint applications. • All municipalities should consider developing a single page approach to all ads for that municipality; such an approach-has many tangible as well as intangible ' benefits to every municipality„ • Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority public meeting ads should be incorporated onto municipal pages where passible • Public advisory notice or media releases to area media outlets are important tools to be considered to supplement the ads for any important initiative„ Signs an Properties The subdiivisian sign present{y in use works fine. The signs used by municipalities far C of A f~,pplications and other developrrient applications might benefit #rom a consistent approach similar to the subdivision sign, but it was agreed that this is not a priority and that it seems that whatever is being used now captures the attention of the passerby and stimulates sufficient interest to have people check it out and contact the appropriate person in the municipality. . ,- _ Other Ads Using the same principals developed for the standard ad, the attached ads Attachments 4 -9I were considered good examples of ads that could be used to attract attention for .other issues in addition to the statutory public meetings„ 1 i i i i t ; Notice of Public Meeting Address Fx~oposed Zoning Change Pusr !c MEErlNG Date: day}, date , (ear Ttme: time PM Place: (Municioalityl Administrative O#ices, Address , ON FRO!'OSED CHANGE An application to re-zone the lands at 1067 Niagara Stone Rd to permit ah Estate Winery. HAVE YOUR SAY Input on this proposed zoning change is welcome and encouraged. Yeu can provide input by: speaking at the public meeting ar by making a written submission to the (municinalitv). Please note that unless da one of the above now, you may not be able to appeal the decisiontater YYRlTTEN SUBMISSION To provide input in writing, or to request personal notice if the proposed change is adopted, please send a letter c!o Town Clerk, (name of clerk! ddress . MORE INFORMATION For more information please contact (name of Planner) at (phone numbed. { ~, 3 ~- A copy of the Planning report for the proposed amendment will be available in the (Murricinaldv) Planning and Develppmeht Services Repartment after (time and date) A copy of this notice can be found on the (municipalities) website at (webaddress). if a person or public body does not make oral submissions at a public meeting or make wntten submissions to the ( )before the proposed Zoning By--law Amendment is adopted the person or public body is not entitled to appeal the decision of the ( ) to the Ontario Municipal Board. If a person or public body does not make oral submissions at a public meeting ar make written submissions to the ( )before the proposed Zoning By-law Amendment is adopted, the person or public body may not be added as a party to the hearing of an appeal before the Ontario Municipal Board, unless Fn the opinion of the Beard, there are reasonable grounds to add the person or public body as a party. If you wish to be notified of the adoption of the proposed Zoning By-law Amendment, you must make a written request to fha Clerk of the (Mun~ioalitv7 and such request must include the name and address to which such notice should be sent. Dated at the (Munieirsalitvl~(date) ETown Glerfc Name) Clerk .:~ - ~. e '~ a ~~ ~ - LEGAL NOTICE Section 34 of the Planning Act No~r~cE o~ ~ ~'~r~Lrc ~rt~EE~T~~1[~~ ~' s ~' F~EF. EH _~. _ .mow. s.~.- _- ~•:q?h;'d' PRQPOSEI€lGIfANG~_- ------- ------- _ __ :_ _ - - - - - -- An application to re-zone the lands at 1467 Niagara Stone Road to permit an Estate Winery with a Fermentation Ce}Iar, Scale House and Waste Water Treatment Building with ofFce and retail uses HAVE YOUR. SAY Input on any proposed zoning change is welcome and encouraged. You can provide input by: speaking at the public meeting or by making a written submission to the Town Please note that unless you do one ofthe above now, you may not be able to appeal the decision later. PUBLIC MEETING Date: Monday, January 9, 2006 Time: 7:00 PM Place:Town of Niagara-an-the-Lake Administrative Offices, 1593 Creek Rda, Virgil, ON f .~ WitITTEN SUBMiSS[ON Ta provide input in writing, or to request personal notice if the proposed change is adopted, please send aletter c/o Town Clerk Holly Dowd, 15.93 Four Mile Creek Road, Virgil, Ontario, LOS 1T0. MORE INFORMATION Far more information please contact Elise Wiliison, Planner It at 505-465-3266 extension 297_ A copy of the Planning report regarding the proposed amendment will be available in the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake Planning and Development Services Qepartment after 3:40. p m on Friday, March 31, 2046_ A copy of this notice can be found on the Towns website at www.notLorg LEGAL NOTICE Section 34 of the Planning Act if a person or public body does not make oral submissions at a pubric meeting or make written submissions to the { )before the proposed Zoning By-law Amendment is adopted, the person or public body is not entifled to appeak the decision of the i ) to tha Ontario Municipal Board. ' tf a person or public body does not make Drat submissions at a public meeting or make written subrn"asions to the ( )before theproposed Zoning By-law Amendment is adopted, the person or public body may not be added as a party to the hearing of an appeal before the Ontario Municipal Board. unless in the opinion of the Board, there are reasonable grounds fo add the person or public body as a party. If you wish fo be nofrf'ied of the adoption of the proposed Zoning Byelaw Amendment you must make a written request to the Clerk of the (Municioaii[y) and such requeSf must indude the name and address to which such notice should be sen# Dated at the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake this 4Bth day of August, 2U(35 Holly Qowd, Town Clerk Specifications for Town of Niagara-on-tie-Lake Pfanntng & Qevefopmertt Services Notice Rdvertisement PT ANi~IIN~ & gEVELOPM~fT SERVICES r593 Four Wil<Creek 12d.. Box 10e. \9tgiI.O1V I.CS I2b - ywu.md oxp- 40i:4685266 No~~c~_a~ ~ Pu$~.rc M.~~r~NG PROPOSED CFfAPIGE An application to re-zone the lands at 1067 Niagara Stone Road to permit an Estate Wirterywittt a Fermentation Gelia ,Scale House and Waste Water Treafinent Building with office and retail uses. tiA1/E YOIIFi SAY Enput on arty proposed zoning change is welcome and encouraged.You can provide inpvtEiy. spealdng at the public meeting or by making a written st.~mis- &lon to the Town.. Piease~note that unless you do one of the above now, you may not be able to appeal the decision cater PaHlic IVleeting Date: Monday, January 9, 2006 Time: 7:00 PiN Place: Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake Administrative Offices, 1593 Greek Rd.., Virgil Written Submission To provide input in writing, or to request personal notice ii the proposed change is adapted, please send a fetter do Town Gferk Holly Dowd, 1593 Four Mife Creek Road, Virgil, Ontarta, LOS 1T0. [gore Information For more information please contact Elise Wiilison, Planner I!, at 905-466-3266 extension 237. A copy of the Planning report regarding the proposed amendment wilt be available in the Planning acid Development Services Department after 3:00 p.m- on Friday, March 31, 200$. A copy of this notice can be found on the Town website at www.noti.org. LEGAL. I~fOTICE NOTfCE is hereby given that the Chanel[ of tha Corporation of fire town of N agora-on-the- Lake wfiI hold a public meeting fa consider an amendment to the Zoning By-taw 500A 74. as amended, under SecSon 34 0# the Planning Act to re-zone the lands shown on the stretch above arsd known municipally as 1067 Niagara Stone Road The sabjecFEands are designated `Agricultural' in cite town Offidal Plan and zoned `Rural SRJ Zone' in the Town Zoning By-law 500A-74 as amended,Tha lands are located outside oP the t3rt>an Area Boundary of VirgiF. A site plan application €s be'rrtg processed concurrently with the site3pecific zoning by-law amendmiertt The proposal is to pemtit an Estate Winery rn'th the construction of Fermentat[on CelFsr; Scare Harise and Waste tNaterTreatmerrt bwTdng in Phase 1 and in Pfiase 2 atwo-storey office & refait building and warehouse. An estate winery is a pertnttted use in an Agriruliuraf designation. The applieairt isproposing a sde-specific zoning by-law. The PtannEng Acg R.S.O 1990 as amended provides chafe before adop8ng an Zoning By-law Amendment, of least one public meeting be held for the proposed amendment. Arty person who attends the meeting wilt be afforded an opportunity to make representation. Ff a person orpubfic body That fifes an appeal of a decision of_the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake in iesped of the proposed by-€aw does not matte oral submission at a pubYc meeting ar make written submission to the Town of Niagara-on-Ihe-Estee before the proposed by-law is adopfe$ the 7Jnfario Murtidpel Board may dismiss aft or part of the. appeal Dated at the Town of Magara-on-the-Lake ihfs 16th day of August, 2005 Holly Da4vd. Town Clerk. Proposed Change -Head -12!14 HeNeiica Stack Havs Your Say -Head -10/12 HeFvet'rca Bold Public Meeting -Head - 10f12 Hetvet'u;a Black Written Submission -Head-10(12 Helvefica Bald More Information -Head-1Wi2 Helvetica Boid Body - 91 f 1 Helvetia illustrative Map - 2'w x 2.375 Tt - ipt border LegaE Notice- Head-10/12 Nelvetica Boid [.egal Notice -Body -7.6t8.6 Helvetiea -- ~, ~.. _ I €:. Date: tlUS,/q~~ ~~1uff ~~~ ~)r~ Location: Town of.Niagara-Qn-the-Lake, Adrr~inistrative Offices Council-Chambers, Virgil, Ontario Time: ~:d0 p.m. Proposed Location ~ ~~~ ~, 4L FiREHALL `~'/ ~ ~4.~ 13a ~~o - IIFAeMY PROP0.¢OSffE r If you have any questions or require further information please eon#ac# the Tawn of Niagara- on-the-Lake PEann4ng and Development Services Department a# 468-3266. - wvrw.notE.org Dated a# the Town of Niagara-an-the-Lake this 18th day of August, 2Q06 S#ephen Bedford, Diree#or Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, P.O. Bax 10€3, Virgil, On#aria, LOS 1`CU rT 4 , • , The erection of enexgy windmills of any-size is prohibited within the Town of Niagara on the bake for a"period of one year. Tawas Council passed an Interim Contr©I By-law on May 8, 2006. Should you wish further information, please contact; The Town of Niagara-ta~€-The-Lake Planning and Development Services at 905-468-3266 ~. ~,_ . ~. Site Alteration By-~a~ ~. The removal or dumping of fill and/or the alteration of the grade of land within the Town ofNiagara-Qn-The-Lake now requires a pexmit. Should you wish to remove topsoil, dump fill, and/or alter the grade of your property, please contact: The Tawn of Niagara-On-The-Fake Building Services at 905-458-3266 ~- Came and Learn Town Councii is researching tFre conditions under which wind energy turbines might be considered in Niagara-can-the-Lake. Wind Energy turbine, of any kind, have .been prohibited within the Tawn of Niagara-on-the- Lake for a period of one year,.. Jones Consulting has been retained by the Town of Niagara- on-the-Lake to conduc# this research and wilt be making a presentation on July 20, 2006 with a question and answer period to follow.. Date: .iuly 20,-2006 Time: 6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Place: Community Centre, Piatoff Street Niagara-on-the-Lake Bated at the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake this 1 st day of July, 2008 Stephen Bedford, Director, Planning & Development Services 1593 Creek Road, Box 100, Virgil, Ontario LOS 1TO :~ { k r- r. ti £.' ,T ^ \ . {L t S ~~ {.' a A. l~ f.! l i, 1~' ~a~e-~+oil~•Qiie•of Our I~a.t~:i~.>~i.1l.~Siites ~ . Pu.Eil~~Citizens..i:~aisan C©m~uittees . Are you interested in the activities at youx• local Landfill Site? The Niagara ' :_ILegion is seeking area residents who ace interested itt joinixig the ' lilic/Citizens Liaison Committees (PL.GCLC} for each of the following :; landh`!l sites: • Elm Street Landfill Site (Port Galboine) ..::'.~' ~- . •. Humlierstone Landfill Site (Welland} ~ ... • Niagara Road i2~1<.andfill Site (West L.incaln) ~ ~ - • Line~S Landfill Site (NQTL) . ~:Mauziates: ~ ~ -. ' ~I3e Co{tsT~iittees role is ~ w'ork~.in collaboration wr$. t3"'' ~..:,,,,`t?is'~ • ' ^-Liaise with'local residents regarding potential inpacCS of e °' ' ~ , Fand€~ Site on the sutrouziding.~oxnmunity and discuss soltttians;. ^ Provide advice on publie outFeach; r,M~:#I'r~ ~omments'on:Landfill Site opeCations, and '^ Pxnpide.eomznents on studies xhat could impact en the use of the landfillsite. ... rfi~iencriig.:•lE'e~ap~. '~ `1~,.yy;~_. ~ ,~ a,. = ~:~a .. ~i• • ~ . .: ,(~ ~r `1~i2~`~. ~ . s ~ ` f a i~ ~,, ~ _ . .. :~~~ ~: . i '~ 13.E ~' ~ . , ..' .. •.'..a .. r .' ' ~ .' . :`y Sr, ~ ~ ~ I '.~etiti'~. aid jt~l~~ ili~~tg tlfe'eveniitg,. at F~sti:~fo~t_ times pei~ year (tixox~ abftett,if neeess deg~n ~on: pro ects:and issues tat Anse),.. _ • ~ :; I • ~_ , uli~nsgio_ ~ of Intec ~~. .... .` . ~ .' ; . ~ ... ~ .. •.' ~ . ~ s i A '... F lfyou ate #~tcrested~in~-becoming a triexizber of•one of'tlie P1'rC/CLG ~:: =, r~`"[?S31_txt'ttC~'.e'e's:.Y? 3vxitd, f"ax csr"e~xnail a shQrt'explaiiatioir of wliy yon are;,. -s ~~es~ed:~iiis,Z:otnri~ittee, [o the corftaet below bY~43fl p,_rr,: ~: . ~ i _~ _ . _ .. .e I v } • k'ublie Works Department, Waste lk/fanagement Services . •., 22U1 qtr. David Road, P.©.. Box:1042, Thoinle[;'bN L2V 4T7 ~. ' Peter I~ryger, Ca-ordinatar, Waste Management Regulations ~~ k . • ~ Peter kr~erC~regional niagara:on ca . ~ Fa7c (905) 68'7-&056 .- ~' www.regional.niagaea,on..ca • ~ ~~ ;; f . - i• S Niagara~~`f Region Office of the Regional Clerk ~~~ F~.LS ~, ,.~O~~y~i~'~a~ad, P.O. Box 1042, Thorold Te1:905-685-1571 Toll-free:1-800-263-7215 Fax: 905-685-4977 www. re g i o n a l. n i ag a ra . o n. ca May 25, 2007 Our Ref.: P&PW 7-2007, May 16, 2007 PWA 49-2007/DPD 65/2007/PHD17-2007 C.02.0040 Mr. Dean lorfida City of Niagara Falls 4310 Queen Street Niagara Falls, Ontario L2E 6X5 Dear Mr. lorfida, walkON Update and Checklist Supports for Community Design We are pleased to advise that Regional Council, at its meeting of May 24, 2007, approved the Planning and Public Works Committee and Public Health and Social Services Committee recommendations as follows: "That Report PHD 17-2007, May 15, 2007 (PWA 49-2007 and DPD 65-2007, May 16, 2007) respecting walkON Update and Checklist -Supports for Community Design, be received for information as amended; and That Committee recommend to Regional Council that further distribution of, and input to, the walkON checklist be endorsed and that it be circulated to the local municipalities and schoo/boards." A copy of Report PWA 49-2007 (DPD 65-2007/PHD 17-2007) is enclosed for your information. Yours truly, , Pam Gilroy Regional Clerk /bs c. I. Neville, Commissioner of Public Works C. Cambray, Commissioner of Planning and Development R. Williams, Medical Officer of Health Building Community. Building Lives. PHD 17-2007 May 15, 2007 PWA 49-2007 May 16, 2007 DPD 65-2007 May 16, 2007 Nagara~~~~ Region REPORT TO: Co-Chairs and-Members Public Health and Social Services Committee and Co-Chairs and Members Planning and Public Works Committee SUBJECT: walkON Update and Checklist -Supports for Community Design RECOMMENDATION That this Committee recommend to Regional Council that this report be received for `~-- information; and: ;. That Committee recommend to Regional Copncil that further distribution of; and input to, the walkOn checklist be endorsed and that it be circulated to the-local municipalities. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY walkON is a program of Healthy Living Niagara (HLN) Arid five other heart.health sites in Central West Ontario: walkON promotes the developmerit of communities that,support people-powered transportation/active transportation. This program also supports Regional, initiatives such as Smarter Niagara; Regional Niagara Bicycle Committee, and TREKZONE. Eat Right. Be Active (TREKZONE). The purpose of this report and presentation is td inform Council of the work of walkON and to seek input for a Walkable Community Checklist. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS = " walkON is funded through six heart health sites across Central West Ontario, including HLN through allocations from the Ontario Ministry of Health Promotion (PHD 19-07). Staff resources support this inifiative a5 part of the Niagara Region's'Pu61ic Health Department (NRPHD) and Planning and Developmerif Department (NRPDD) approved kiudgetsand programming. Several other HLN partner agencies of Healthy Living Niagara; such as Brock University and Niagara Freewheelers Bicycle Touring Club, contribute to walkON as well through in-kind contributions sucfi'ss staffing or volunteer hours.` 1 PHD 17-2007 May 15, 2007 PWA 49-2007 May 16, 2007 DPD 65-2007 May 16, 2007 PURPOSE The purpose of this report is to; 1. Inform Council of the work being undertaken by HLN through walkON to support community design that encourages people-powered transportation. 2. Seek future input into walkON's Walkable Community Checklist. HLN intends to circulate this checklist to Regional Councillors and staff and to Municipal Councillors and staff for input prior to mass distribution. BACKGROUND HLN consists of community partners working together, committed to healthy eating; physical activity, and smoke-free living among the. people of Niagara; o enhance cardiovascular health and to improve health status. HLN aims to create a supportive environment for health, to strengthen community action for health, -acrd to influence policy to achieve -and sustain health gains. HLN is working with-other heart health sites in Central Weston the walkON initiative which will promote the development of communities-that support people-powered transportation. walkON links together the NRPHD and NRPDD, drawing. on the expertise of these Departments for the improvement of community design that supports .people-powered transportation. For example, a:_representative-from-NRPDD sits nn walkON's advisory committee to provide input. When the built environment (refers to the man-made surroundings that provide the setting for human activity, ranging from the large-scale civic surroundings to the: personal. places) supports .people-powered transportation, people are more likely to increase the number of short trips.{i.e., less than. 30 minutes): they make by foot or by:. bike. This might include trips to a corner store, friends' homes, work, or school This would,-also. support walking and biking for recreation and health. , - ;, n her 2004 report, "Healthy Weights Healthy Lives," Dr. Sheela Basrur, former Chief Medical Officer of Health, .notes that the suburban environment in which many of us live encourages behaviours, such as driving to all destinations, which result in increased weight and risk for disease. ..: - - ,.: . By making :our communities,more.conducive to people.-powered transportation, vye can reverse the growing trend towards obesity in Niagara, while building better communities. The Model Urban;;Design Guidelines, a projecf led by;planning with input from other Regional departments, demonstrates how our communities can be developed, or redeveloped in compact-and people-friendly manner that invites exploration by foot or cycle. t ~.. 2 _. , ~~ PHD 17-2007 May 15, 2007 PWA 49-2007 May 16, 2007 f DPD 65-2007 l May 16, 2007 Main components of walkON include resource tools such as a Walkability Checklist, tool kits, information sessions, community workshops, web site, community survey, and a community education campaign. These activities are being evaluated through an in-depth provincial evaluation. Attached is a highlight report that provides more details about walkON. REPORT The activities of walkON are in line with the overall community design objectives of several regional initiatives such as Smarter Niagara, Regional Niagara Bicycling Committee, and TREKZONE. walkON supports these initiatives by raising awareness of the importance of community design and physical activity and giving community groups tools to support improvements to their built environment. walkON can also integrate well with a number of other public health programs such as Active and Safe Routes to School and Injury Prevention. Further connections amongst the NRPHD, the NRPDD, and the Public Works Department are needed to advance the efforts of better community design and people-powered transportation within the Region and local Municipalities. - HLN is requesting future input from Council regarding the Walkable Communities Checklist. ~_:-- The checklist is intended to get people involved in understanding if their community is a walkable place. HNL intends to circulate this checklist to Regional Councillors and to staff, as well as to Municipal Councillors/staff in the Public Health, Public Works,-and Planning and Development Departments for input prior to mass distribution. Submitted by: R. C. Williams, MD DPH, FRCPC Medical Officer of Health Submitted by: Ian Neville, MPA, P.Eng. Acting Commissioner of Public Works Submitted by: Approved by: Corwin Cambray,-MCIP, RPP Mike Trojan Commissioner of Planning Development Chief Administr iv Officer - This report was prepared by Tami McCallum, Manager, Chronic Disease Prevention Division, Public Health Department; Terri Donia, Planner, Planning and Developmeht Department and Lisa Gallant, Healthy Living t: Niagara Coordinator, Chronic Disease Prevention Division, Niagara Region Public Health Department. 3 N iagara'~~`f May 25, 2007 Mr. Dean lorfida Municipal Clerk City of Niagara Falls 4310 Queen Street Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5 Region ~O,~yffice,~aof the Region(a~l Clerk l`~I~$~~5'~~~:~9d0 263-7218 Id ON L2V 4T7 Fax: 905-687-4977 pam.gil roy@regi onal. ni agara. on.ca www.regional. niagara.on.ca CL 7-2007, May 15, 2007 PHSS 7-2007, May 15, 2007 Report PHD 28-2007/COM 22-2007 Nutritious Food Basket (NFB) 2006 Survey Results The Council of the Regional Municipality of Niagara, at its meeting of May 24, 2007, approved the following recommendation of its Ad Hoc Committee of Council on Property Assessment and Taxation Reform: "That Report PHD 28-2007/COM 22-2007, May 15, 2007, respecting Nutritious Food Basket (NFB) 2006 Survey Results, be received. That the Regional Chair send a letter to the Minister of Health Promotion requesting that the Nutritious Food Basket (NFB) data be reviewed and used to inform provincial program and policy decisions with respect to the provincial Healthy Eating Active Living (HEAL) strategy and with respect to needed increases in social assistance and minimum wage rates; and That the Regional Chair send a letter to the Minister of Community & Social Services and to the Minister of Finance urging a further increase in social assistance rates, without increasing the municipal contribution, and an increase in the minimum wage rate to ensure that all Ontarians have sufficient income to meet the basic needs of shelter and nutritious food; and That the report be circulated to the area municipalities for their information. A copy of background report PHD 28-2007/COM 22-2007 is enclosed for your information. If further information is required, please contact Mr. John Bergsma, Commissioner, Corporate Services Department, at (905) 685-1571, ext. 3292 Yours truly, ` /-Jae--~,,~ Pam Gilroy Regional Clerk cc: J. Bergsma, Commissioner, Corporate Services Building Community. Building Lives. PHD 28-2007 COM 22-2007 May 15, 2007 Page 1 ~lagara'~f~~ Reg~or~ REPORT TO: Co-Chairs and Members Public Health and Social Services Committee SUBJECT: Nutritious Food Basket (NFB) 2006 Survey Results RECOMMENDATION That this Committee recommend to Regional Council that: The Regional Chair send a letter to fhe Minister of Health Promotion requesting that the Nutritious Food Basket (NFB) data be reviewed and used to inform provincial program and policy decisions with respect to the provincial Healthy Eafirtg Active Living (HEAL) strategy and with respect to needed increases in social assistance and minimum wage rates; and that 2. The Regional Chair send a letter to the Minister of Community & Social Services and to the Minister. of Finance urging a further increase in social assistance rates; without increasing the municipal contribution, and an increase in the minimum wage rate to ensure that all Ontarians have sufficient income to meet the basic needs of shelter and nutritious food. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This report provides information on the cost of the NFB in the Niagara Region for 2006, and recommends measures to improve health through increased access to nutritious food for low-income individuals and families. The NFB is a food-costing tool used to measure the cost of healthy eating in Board of Health jurisdictions within Ontario. The average weekly-cost for a family of four in Niagara in 2006 was $126.78 per week ($548.95 per month), an increase of 2.9% in food costs from the 2005 pricing survey. However, overall food costs have increased by 23.7% from 1999 when the costing tool was first implemented. PHD 28-2007 ~ ° COM 22-2007 May 15, 2007 " Page 2 The survey results were analyzed according to the energy and nutrient needs of 23 age/gender groups, as defined in the 1990 Recommended Nutrient Intakes for Canadians. The 2006 results are summarized in AppendixA (The Cost of Eating Well in Niagara). In comparison,. the social assistance rates have increased 5% since 1999 and the general minimum. wage has increased 13.2% during the same period, further supporting that low-income families are significantly challenged in having the financial resources to purchase nutritious food for their families. The recent provincial budget included an announcement to continue with initiatives to increase social assistance rates by a further 2% in 2007 and plans for the minimum wage to continue to increase, with the ultimate goal fora $10.25 minimum wage in 2010. Access to nutritious food is a key determinant of health and not all Niagara residents have the means to access affordable, nutritious, and personally acceptable foods. The difficulty experienced by many Niagara residents in meeting daily nutritional needs to maintain health is a result of the combined effect of the rising cost of food, inadequate income due to a low minimum wage and inadequate social assistance rates, and the high cost of other essential needs such as housing. In addition, recent research has focused on a suggested link between food insecurity and obesity in adults and children. Therefore, efforts to increase food security in Niagara will contribute over time to the reduction of obesity and chronic diseases related to obesity. As such, this request complements the efforts of the TREK20NE -Eat Right Be Active Strategy. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS There are no financial implications directly associated with this report PURPOSE The purpose of this report is the following: • to update Committee and Council on the 2006 NFB data; • to compare the increase in cost of purchasing an NFB with increases in available social assistance dollars and minimum wage rates. BACKGROUND Since 1999, the Niagara Region Public Health Department has collected data on the cost of a healthy diet in the Niagara Region. Council reports have been prepared on the gap PHD 28-2007 COM 22-2007 May 15, 2007 Page 3 experienced, especially by social assistance recipients, between social assistance provided and the actual dollars required to purchase nutritious food. Boards of Health in Ontario are required to annually monitor the cost of an NFB, a tool that measures the "cost of healthy eating" in a particular geographical region. The NFB protocol requires that 66 specified foods be priced in at least six different grocery stores, iricluding major supermarket chains and independent stores. The foods included in the Nutritious Food Basket (NFB) survey are based on nutrition recommendations and food expenditure surveys, and are not intended to be a prescriptive list of what to eat. Instead, it provides a sample of foods that can be used to determine benchmark costs of healthy eating, in quantities needed to feed a reference family of four for one week. The NFB tool does not include processed and prepared foods, snack foods, or restaurantltake-out foods. It also excludes essential non-food items such as laundry detergent, soap, paper products, toiletries, etc., that are often purchased with groceries and it does not take into account the additional cost of transporting the goods home. The cost of the NFB is generally lower than the actual. grocery expenditures of the average Niagara resident. It is also assumed that the consumer has access to an adequate number of quality food stores, as well as sufficient time and means of trahsportation to allow for comparison. shopping for the lowest prices. In addition, it is assumed that the consumer has the time, skills, and equipment to plan, purchase, and prepare meals and snacks from relatively low-cost food staples and ingredients. The reference family consists of a man and woman, aged 25-49 years, a boy, 13-15 years, and a girl 7-9 years of age; however, the NFB costing can also be applied to any other individual or family (see Appendix A -The Cost of Eating Well in Niagara). In COM 36-2004, the Market Basket Measure (MBM) indicator was used as a reference point for low income. The MBM estimates the cost of a specific basket of goods and services for the year 2000, assuming that all items in the basket were entirely provided out of the spending of the household. The components of the MBM basket have been designed to represent a standard of consumption which is closer to median standards for food, clothing, and footwear, and shelter than for other categories of expenditure.' The threshold MBM for Niagara was $24,540 for the reference family of four in 2000 and increased to $25,020 in 20022. The OW annualized income potential for the same reference family was $14,568 and the ODSP annualized income potential was $22,500. Therefore, families in receipt of social assistance fell significantly below the Market Basket Measure. While a 2% increase to social assistance rates occurred in December 2006, families in receipt of social assistance still fall well below the MBM, and this therefore limits their ability to purchase nutritional food as determined by the NFB. 1 http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/csfcomm/news/2003/RH63-1-569-03-03E.pdf z Additional information is available from the Human Resources Skills Development (HRSD) website: http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/cs/sp/sdc/pkrf/publicationshesearch/2002-000662/SP-628-OS-06e.pdf PHD 28-2007 COM 22-2007 May 15, 2007 Page 4 Appendix B provides.the "basic needs" and "shelter" maximums for Ontario Works recipients based on the December 2006 rates. Social Assistance rates are scheduled to increase again by 2% in December 2007 for both Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support Program recipients. The March Provincial Budget also announced other changes in benefits that will impact families in 2007. Additional information is available from http://www.regional. niagara.on.ca/livinci/saeo/pdf/OWFactSheet.pdf. The minimum wage has also increased over the 1999 to 2006 period. 1999 Feb. 1, 2004 Feb. 1, 2005 Feb. 1, 2006 Minimum Wage $6.85/hour $7.15/hour $7.45lhour $7.75/hour increase over 1999 rate 4.4% increase 8.8% increase 13.2% increase The minimum wage increased to $8.00/hour' February 2007-and the March 2007 Provincial Budget included the commitment to further increase the minimum wage to $10.25 per hour by 2010, beginning with an increase to $8.75 per hour in March 2008. REPORT Data collected for the NFB since 1999, shows that the cost of healthy eating is increasing, and is in fact, prohibitive to many Niagara residents (see bar graph below). The situation worsens each year for some Niagara residents, as the gap widens between income and the cost of necessities. The cost of a healthy diet has increased from $102.49 per week in 1999 to $'126.78 per week in 2006, a 23.7% increase in seven years compared to a 5.0% increase in social assistance rates (Ontario Works or Ontario Disability Support Program) and a 13.2% increase in the general minimum wage during the same period. The cost of healthy eating becomes increasingly out of reach for many individuals, children, and families in Niagara. The following chart illustrates the impact on families in receipt of social assistance when the NFB rate is utilized as the cost of healthy eating and the Average Rents in Ontario forApartments - 2005 St. Catharines/Niagara (Rental Market Survey, 2005, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp) is used as actual shelter costs. A 2.1 % increase to the 2005 data was added to establish the 2006 rental rates. PHD 28-2007 COM 22-2007 May 15, 2007 Page 5 As illustrated in the chart, an individual OW recipient falls. short of meeting monthly food and shelter costs by an average of $98 per month in Niagara. A family needs an additional $144 per month to meet food and shelter requirements. This calculation also excludes money to purchase personal hygiene products or to take the bus to purchase food, or money to purchase cleaning supplies. For an individual, an increase in OW rates of about 15% would be required to meet actual casts for healthy eating and shelter alone. For families in receipt of ODSP, the situation is not as negative but this chart does not take into consideration the increased costs when you have adisability --- typical housing may not meet your need; you may in fact have increased costs to other areas as well. In addition, the analysis does not capture the impact of the lack of affordable housing. The chart does not illustrate that persons in receipt of social assistance are spending an exceptionally-high proportion of their income on shelter (approximately 50-70%) compared to the 30% of income that is generally recommended. 2% Social assistance rate increase occurred in December 2006 Shelter cost determined by Average Rents for Apartments in Ontario - 2005 St. Catharines Niagara, 2.1 % increase added to determin_ a 2006 data. Food: Male 25-49 from NFB rate utilized for single calculation Funds Remaining From Social Assistance Budget After Paying for Rent and Purchasing Nutritious Food Only3 PHD 28-2007 COM 22-2007 May 15, 2007 Page 6 The cumulative impact is that individuals and families will continue to experience an inability to meet basic needs and to make healthy nutritional choices. The implications are considerable in terms of perpetuating family and child poverty, and there will be continued reliance on food banks and other community services by those living.in poverty. Food security for many low-income residents is compromised. If is becoming increasingly difficult to meet energy and nutrient needs, a basic requirement of health. Submitted by: Brian Hutchings Commissioner, Commu ity Services Submitted by: ., R. C. Williams, MD, DPH; FRCPC Medical Officer of Health Approved by: Chief Administi Appendix A Health News B Social Assistance Rates This reporf was prepared by Jennifer Hopkins, Registered Dietitian, and Tami McCallum, Manager-Chronic Disease Prevention Public Health Deparfinent; and Ellen Stevenson, Manager Community Services. The report was reviewed by Sarah Pennisi, Director, Socia/Assistance and Employmenf Opporfunifies, Community Services, and Ellen Wodchis, Director-Chronic Disease Prevention, Pub/ic Health Department. Appendix A PHD 28-2007 COM 22-2007 May 15, 2007 Appendix "A" The i~st of Eating Well in Niagara The information in this fact sheet outlines the price of eating a nutritious diet in Niagara. Costs are based on a June 2006 survey of 66 food items from 6 grocery stores across the region. These items make up the Nutritious Food Basket, a food costing tool that measures the cost of healthy eating, based on current nutrition recommendations. The results: a weekly Nutritious Food Basket, for a reference family of four, costs $126.78 in the Niagara Region. The basket includes only food items and not-the other purchases commonly made at grocery stores such as soap, laundry detergent, or other consumer products most of us consider necessities. Use this information in the following ways: • To figure out what it might cost you to eat nutritiously. • To estimate the cost of feeding a group of people (in group homes, shelters, students sharing a house, etc.). • To make up case studies for discussion in budgeting or in home-management education programs. • To document the difficulty of affording a nutritious diet for those with limited incomes, and for people interested in advocating for higher minimum wage or social assistance. Some Questions about the Basket: Q. /s the basket the most economical? A. No, there may be foods on special in grocery or other food stores. Using coupons may reduce prices even-more. A basket of lower priced-food items is possible but it may not be considered palatable to the average Canadian. Q. Should l be buying-the same 66 foods? A. Not necessarily, since the 66 foods may not reflect your own food choices or anyone else's in your family. Foods selected for inclusion in the basket reflect those commonly purchased by Canadians that are low in cost and provide sufficient variety to meet nutrient needs. Q. %s the Nutritious Food Basket really nutritious? A. Yes, the food basket is calculated to meet nutrient needs of most people in each age group. Qge Cost Per Week (S) 1 15.17 Chi/d 2-3 15.96 4-6 21.06 Boy 7-9 ~ 25.09 10-12 31.03 13-15 36.39 16-18 41.84 Girl 7-9 24.09 10-12 28.74 13-15 30.71 16-18 28.90 19-24 39.40 Man 25-49 38.17 50-74 34.56 75 + 31.36 19-24 29.53 Woman 25-49 28.13 50-74 27.62 ~75 + 26.85 Pregnant 15` Trimester 31.53 2nd & 3`d 33.49 Woman Trimester Breastfeeding 34.21 Woman * Family of S 126.78 four PHD 28-2007 COM 22-2007 May 15, 2007 Appendix "A" Example Sex Age Cost Man 42 38.17 Woman 39 28.13 Boy 14 36.39 Girl 8 24.09 Subtotal = 126.78 x Adjustment** 126 78 .Your Household Sex Age Cost x Adjustment** _ This family represents the standard provincial comparison and is made up of a man and a woman 25-49 years, a boy 13-15 years, ahd a girl 7-9 years of age. Step 1: Write down the sex and age for each person you are feeding. Step 2: Find the age and sex for each person on the chart above. Step 3: Add the weekly food costs together. Step 4: Since it costs a little more to feed small groups of people and a little less to feed larger groups, you may have to adjust the total cost found in Step 3. Use the following adjustment for family size, if it applies to your situation. If you are feeding: 1 person -multiply by 1.15 2 people -multiply by 1.10 3 people -multiply by 1.05 4 people -make no change 5 people -multiply by 0,95 6 people -multiply by 0.90 June 2006 .. PHD 28-2007 COM 22-2007 May 15, 2007 Appendix "B" cif ~ts~istr~~~ i~ T~i~s iEife~i~~ leerr~~r H~ ~u~~~ aye ~cu~te F'rsr ~~irt ~€iii 1 ~e~r~i~r~t, ~~d 'i 4~ ~~ •di~~r~~l i~ 1 e~r~ €~f ~~~ ~r €~~er ~r 'i Oi~r i ~ c~dan i leis ~n 1 ~ ~re~r~ t~f ~~~. ~H~LTEi`t C114dlii.i!~ ~~~ in stc~e h+e you retlcage, €~si re~ip~er~~ r~eei~~ ~~- n~~ tae ~iirfYer ~~ raximu~ sfSer r got ht tits can ~t~ifiy ~ ~~Y ii` tens ~~rr r~~irr~ur~ ~rr~rt~€ar~#.~ ~~~ Iii=~6~~ ~t~~eti ire i#u~~r~s ~t~ ~ y res~~~e~ unity. Building Lives. Pt11~. Ful_I_s ~ ~rlJ! 5.~'R ft~~tk~ * 4 * t ` -~.§ tc"~~i~•P' •.'~3 From the May 24, 2007, Meeting of Regional Council Volume 15, Issue 7 Regional Chair for a Day Regional Chair Partington introduced John Catterall, a Grade 10 student from Kernahan Park Secondary School, the Region's Adopt-a-School parther, who was nominated by his peers and teachers as the 2007 Regional Chair for. a Day. As `Chair," John toured many Regional facilities and had lunch with Police Chief Wendy Southall. He learned about the services and programs offered by the Niagara Region and may even have discovered a new career path! Chair Catterall expressed gratitude to all of the staff involved in making his day special, particularly Hope Manzer, Hostess, and Anne Hepplewhite, ChauffeudPhotographer. E MS Awards Presentation Regional Chair Partington, in celebration of Emergency Medical Services Week, was honoured to present the Niagara Emergency Medical Services Awards for 2006; the Public Health and Social Services Committee Award; the Paramedic of the Year, and the System Status Controller of the Year. Ms. Sondra Petit, a Systems Status Controller, received the Public Health and Social Services Award in recognition. of her commitment and dedication to the advancement and promotion of Niagara Emergency Medical Services, its principles of service, and caring for the community. Ms. Toby Deutsch received the Paramedic of the Year Award, which was established to honour a paramedic who contributes outstanding service to the public, co-workers, and the community. Mr. Chris Foster received the Systems Status Controller of the Year Award, presented to an employee who contributes outstanding service to the public, their co-workers, and the community. N ew -Look for Ambulances Regional Chair Partington announced that a special ceremony was held Thursday afternoon, prior to the Council meeting, to officially unveil a new and exciting design for Niagara Emergency Medical Services' ambulances. Over the course of the next few years, all NEMS vehicle will be branded with this new look. 1 V iagara Symphon~ Association -Celebrating Our 60 Season David Randall, Chair of the Niagara Symphony; Denise Stone, Executive Director, Niagara Symphony and Daniel Swift, Music Director, Niagara Symphony announced the "Save Our Symphony" $500,000 emergency fundraising campaign, which will enable the organization to remain viable. The speakers urged supporters and everyone in the Niagara community to act immediately and help ensure that the Symphony's legacy continues now and into the future. The contribution request was referred to the Culture Committee for further discussion. For further information contact the Regional Clerk's office al (905) 665-1571 or 1-8W-263-7215 ww~v, regionat.niagara.on.ca The Niagara Think and Drive Campaign: A Partnership Approach to Road Safety Chief Southall introduced the Regional Niagara Road Safety Committee Executive: Bruno lafrate, Vice-Chair of CAA Niagara Board of Directors; •Dr. Doug Sider, Associate Medical Officer of Health, in attendance for Dr. Robin Williams, Medical Officer of Health; and Joe Cousins, Director, Transportation Services Division. Chief Southall noted that Niagara Region experiences one of the highest number of fatal and serious injury collisions per capita compared to other regions within Ontario. Through an analysis of NRPS collision -data from. 1999 to 2003, three main contributing factors evolved: speed, driver error and impairment, with most of the collisions occurring on rural roads (58%) and involving 75% of male drivers. The Regional Niagara Road Safety Committee was formed in 2004 with a mission to reduce fatal and serious injury collisions by 10% over a 5-year period (2004 to 2008) through community partnerships. In 2006 the Think and Drive road safety social marketing campaign, ultimately aimed at changing driver behaviour, was piloted in the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, and has provided drivers in Niagara Region with increased awareness and knowledge, and increased incentives to improve driving attitudes and behaviour. This program will be expanded this fall to all of the area municipalities in Niagara. '.Make Niagara's Roads SaFeI ~. hair's Announcements ___ . _ _ . __ Regional Chair Partington announced exciting news from General Motors' proposed $400 million dollar investment in their St. Catharines operation to manufacture rear wheel drive transmission modules. Niagara Region has worked hard with area municipal partners to move industrial tax rates in the right direction, and-this has helped to influence the decision to make the St. Catharines facility the Canadian site of choice for this project. Council reaffirmed their support for Local 199 CAW- CTC Canada's resolution, "Manufacturing Matters Campaign," presented by Mr. Wayne Gates and Councillor Malcolm Allen, Town of Pelham. The Niagara Region joined St. Catharines based Rankin Construction in signing a milestone contract with the Ontario Power Authority to build and operate afirst-of-its-kind, commercial-scale wind farm in the Township of Wainfleet on May 24, 2007. Niagara Health System - New Healthcare Complex Council endorsed a resolution outlining funding sources to support the Niagara Health System New Healthcare Complex in St. Catharines (per recommendations outlined in Report CSD 85-2007). The• Region:.s contribution will be subject to verification of costs, allocation of regional components, and Ministry funding. The documentation to support the net regional cost components are to be provided prior to the Phase 2 funding commitment (Spring 2008). Staff will enter into discussions with the Niagara Health System for the potential transfer of buildings and property currently leased/occupied by the Regional Municipality of Niagara. Seven Wonders of Canada - Please Vote Niagara Falls is listed as one of the short- listed Seven Wonders of Canada. Please visit CBC's website at www.cbaca and vote for vour choice. Voting has been extended to May 31g~ and everyone is encouraged to vote. ~~ •,,. r""~. `` 3 ~~ ~i~ ~a~ ~~ nn ~l~.b~at~~ ~o~r ~'ir~~~~ ~~~~t N~a~a~ra ~~~ ~~a~~ a~~ ~~~~~®~~~~ ~~1~~t ~?~Ars ®p~~e ~:3®- Dinner ~t 6:30 p.rr~. ~;`~~~: ~~ (I~~~uaQS Danre~r and Gaf'~) C~'a~sb ~~r L~cc~~inn: ~~nc®n .garb®a~rsi~~ Inn ~ Gon~'~r~ne,~ ~~ntr~ uA From: Information Niagara 905-682-1900 ext 223 To: NIAGARA FALLS, CITY OF Date: 6/6/2007 Time: 2:08:08 PM Page 1 of 1 A Wheelchair Basketball Club in Niagara? Let's Make it a Reality! The Niagara Centre for Independent Living has been in contact with Paralympics Ontario (PO) and the Ontario Wheelchair Sports Association (OWSA) to initiate the steps that will lead to forming a Wheelchair Basketball Cfub in the Niagara area. Step one is having a community meeting to establish that there is a definite interest in forming a team. Once we have identified some comm'stment, PO and OWSA will attend the second meeting in Niagara to set up the next steps and target times for an 8 week training program. Participation is open to individuals with a physical disability. First priority will be given to individuals with a physical disability and then to able bodied persons. As the Club forms, information will be provided to help participants decide if they want to form a competitive team or a recreational team. We do not want this to just be a NCILendeavour -this is open to anyone interested in participating in this sport outline Before we can partner with Paralympics Ontario (PO) to inititate the 8 week training program, we need to: 1) Identify one individual to act as chair of the proposed club and to oversee the program. 2) Identify at least one head coach and one assistant coach to attend the 8 week Development Program, who intend to act as coach/assistant coach beyond the development program 3) Identify volunteers who will be responsible for: • Equipment maintenance/management • Fundraising and Grant applications • Administration 4) Find 8 players committed to participating 5) Find an accessible location to play on a regular basis that has room for equipment storage The initial meeting to establish interest and get more information is scheduled for Tuesday, June 19t~'~ ~0°~ at Noon hour at the Niagara Centre for Independent Living, Normandy Resource Centre, 111 Church Street, St. Catharines, ON. To RSVP or for more information please contact Anne Marie Covello-Baxter at 905-684- 7111, extension #31, Kellie Kirkwood at extension #25 or James Davis at 905-680-6454.